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Dustin Hoffman says Mike Nichols had him 'slapped 27 times' for a scene in 'The Graduate' that was NEVER used

Dustin Hoffman, 89, who writes in his memoir Look at Me that he felt immediate self-doubt on the set of The Graduate, believing he had no right to be there as a Jewish actor playing what he called 'the ultimate Wasp'.
Dustin Hoffman, 89, who writes in his memoir Look at Me that he felt immediate self-doubt on the set of The Graduate, believing he had no right to be there as a Jewish actor playing what he called 'the ultimate Wasp'.

Dustin Hoffman, now 89, reveals in his memoir 'Look at Me' that director Mike Nichols turned the 1967 shoot into an ordeal of repeated physical punishment and psychological pressure. Hoffman writes that Nichols ordered Katharine Ross to slap him again and again, harder each time, leaving him dizzy — then cut the scene entirely. The following day he punctured an eardrum during an underwater sequence, blood trickling from his ear.

Hoffman writes he felt immediate self-doubt on set, believing he had 'no right to be there' as a Jewish actor playing 'the ultimate Wasp'.

He says Nichols was warm and collaborative in rehearsals but became 'irritable' and almost sadistic once cameras rolled, singling Hoffman out.

Hoffman concludes Nichols was so hard on him because he was 'looking for an alter ego' and had spent two years casting the lead before settling on him.

MoreHuffPost UKDustin Hoffman Admits Shooting One Of His Most Iconic Roles Was A 'Terrible Experience'The GuardianDustin Hoffman says filming The Graduate was ‘a terrible experience’ due to Mike Nichols’ ‘sadism’People.comDustin Hoffman Says Filming His Iconic Movie ‘The Graduate’ Was a ‘Terrible Experience’ - People.comYahooDustin Hoffman Reveals His 'Terrible' Experience Filming Iconic Role in 'The Graduate' - Yahoo
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