Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Conan O'Brien, Sona Movsesian, and Matt Gourley return for a new episode featuring an extensive and humorous conversation with legendary actor Dustin Hoffman, who promotes his memoir Look at Me. Hoffman recounts his early struggles in New York, sharing an apartment with Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall, getting cast as Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate, and facing unexpected overnight fame that initially made him want to quit movies entirely. Throughout the interview, Hoffman trades sharp banter with Conan, discussing everything from theater roots and acting choices to harrowing personal encounters and working with Laurence Olivier. Later, the team answers a listener voicemail about the construction and auction of Conan's old Late Night talk show desk.
- Having your first big break derailed by a kitchen accident can unexpectedly propel you toward the role that defines your career. 16:29
- Collaborating with a skilled co-writer can help unearth detailed long-term memories from childhood that you thought were entirely lost. 19:43
- When facing an iconic role or an intimidating legend, treating the work as an act of personal challenge helps maintain artistic drive. 46:23
- Even famous television set pieces like a talk show desk often feature finished facades backed by down-and-dirty, unfinished construction. 1:08:04
Highlights
- 11:21
Meeting Dustin Hoffman at a Bar Mitzvahstory
Conan recounts sitting across from Dustin Hoffman at Adam Sandler's daughter's bat mitzvah alongside David Spade's elderly mother, who awkwardly insisted on telling Hoffman that her favorite movie was Amadeus and her second favorite was Tootsie.
- 13:32
Bonding Over Childhood Height Insecuritiesinsight
Hoffman and Conan discover a surprising point of commonality, discussing how deeply painful it was to be teased during childhood for being the shortest and the tallest kids respectively.
- 37:08
The Trauma of Overnight Stardominsight
Hoffman explains why the massive, unexpected success of The Graduate made him want to quit films entirely and return to the theater while battling severe personal insecurities.
- 50:45
Studying New York Pedestrians for Ratso Rizzostrategy
Hoffman describes following people around 42nd Street and observing New Yorkers eagerly waiting for signals to change in order to develop the specific wobbly limp for his character in Midnight Cowboy.
- 53:17
Living with Gene Hackman and Robert Duvallstory
Conan marvels at the bizarre reality of Hoffman, Gene Hackman, and Robert Duvall all living together in New York early in their careers while working odd jobs like selling adult toys at Macy's.
- 53:22
A Terrifying Encounter in Youthstory
Hoffman shares a dramatic personal anecdote from his youth when he was caught by a husband during an affair and had a real gun pointed directly at him.
- 1:07:55
The Secret Reality of Late Night Desksdata
Conan reveals that while the front facade of his old Late Night talk show desk needed a nice finish for HD cameras, the reverse side was completely crude and unfinished.
About this episode
Actor Dustin Hoffman would feel great about being Conan O’Brien’s friend if they ever hung out. Dustin sits down with Conan to discuss his new memoir Look at Me, using his job as a Macy’s toy salesman as an acting exercise, going from “designated failure” to Hollywood icon, and his experience working alongside Laurence Olivier. For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com. Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (323) 362-2295.
Transcript
13,342 words · 8 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
Topics
- Celebrity Memoir
- Acting Craft
- Comedy Podcast
- Film History
- Late Night Television
- Behind The Scenes
- Audition Stories
- Hollywood Legends
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated