Tootsie, released in theaters on Dec. 17, 1982, starring Dustin Hoffman and directed by Sydney Pollack was a massive critical and commercial hit that was nominated for ten Academy Awards.
The film centers on Michael Dorsey (Hoffman), a brilliant but notoriously difficult New York actor whose perfectionism has made him virtually unemployable. When he hears about an opening on a popular daytime soap opera, Southwest General, he decides to take a desperate gamble.
Dressing as a woman and calling himself “Dorothy Michaels,” he lands the role of a formidable hospital administrator.
To Michael’s surprise, Dorothy becomes a national sensation. Her assertive, no-nonsense attitude resonates with female viewers, turning the “actress” into a feminist icon.
However, Michael’s double life quickly becomes a logistical and emotional nightmare.
He finds himself falling deeply in love with his beautiful co-star, Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange), but as Dorothy, he can only be her confidante.
The complications multiply: Julie’s widowed father, Les (Charles Durning), begins courting Dorothy; the show’s sexist director, Ron Carlisle (Dabney Coleman), is a constant thorn in his side; and the lecherous veteran actor John Van Horn (George Gaynes) makes unwanted advances.
Meanwhile, Michael’s neurotic friend Sandy (Teri Garr) is left confused by his erratic behavior, and his cynical roommate, Jeff (Bill Murray), watches the chaos unfold from the sidelines.
Michael’s agent, George Fields (played by the film’s director Pollack), is equally horrified by the charade.
The film also features the screen debut of Geena Davis as a fellow cast member.
Ultimately, Michael is forced to find a way to unmask himself while reconciling the fact that “he was a better man with a woman than he ever was with a woman as a man.”
Tootsie is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies ever made, balancing sharp satire with genuine heart.
Lange won Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, cementing her status as a major star, while Hoffman’s transformative performance remains a career-high benchmark.
The film won Best Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor for Hoffman and Best Supporting Actress for Lange at the Golden Globes.
Jessica Lange and Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie (Photo/Columbia Pictures)
Reception for Tootsie
Tootsie grossed $5.5 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office ahead of The Toy ($4.8 million), The Dark Crystal ($4.7 million), Best Friends ($4 million) and 48 Hrs. ($3.3 million).
The film would remain atop the box office for 12 consecutive weeks and regain the top spot in its 17th week en route to grossing $241 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave Tootsie four out of four stars in his review.
Lasting Legacy
Tootsie‘s legacy lies in its sophisticated exploration of gender roles and workplace power dynamics. While it remains hilariously funny, it offers a sincere critique of how men often fail to listen to women until they are forced to “walk in their shoes.”
The off-screen tension between Hoffman and Pollack—who famously clashed over the film’s direction—actually fueled their brilliant on-screen chemistry.
Decades later, Tootsie is preserved in the National Film Registry and consistently ranks near the top of the AFI’s list of funniest movies. It is celebrated for its impeccable ensemble cast, witty screenplay, and its timeless message about empathy and the masks we wear in our professional and personal lives.
