Dustin Hoffman reveals Graduate set ordeal: slapped 27 times for unused scene
Dustin Hoffman's memoir reveals he was slapped 27 times by Katharine Ross for a scene director Nichols never used in the film.
The 89-year-old actor's new memoir describes filming The Graduate in 1967. Filming was a terrible experience, he writes.
For one scene, director Nichols told Ross to slap him repeatedly. Hoffman was dizzy and some hits struck his ear.
The scene never made the final cut. The next day, filming an underwater scene, Hoffman punctured an eardrum.
The combined pressure from the slaps and water depth caused it. He also recalls co-star Anne Bancroft fainting during a hot day and needing oxygen.
Hoffman writes he felt miscast. He says Nichols seemed angry throughout production.
- 27 times
- Slaps by Ross
- 1967
- Year of filming
- Mike Nichols
- Director
- 89 years old
- Hoffman's age
Why it mattersThe story reveals how powerful directors treated actors in that era, before safety and wellbeing were priorities.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet. Hoffman's memoir publishes internationally, including in Australia, on November 10.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
