Michael Dorsey, an unsuccessful actor, disguises himself as a woman in order to get a role on a trashy hospital soap.

Director:

Sydney Pollack

Writers:

Don McGuire (story by), Larry Gelbart (story by) | 2 more credits »
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Popularity
2,856 ( 53)
Won 1 Oscar. Another 24 wins & 30 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dustin Hoffman ... Michael Dorsey / Dorothy Michaels
Jessica Lange ... Julie
Teri Garr ... Sandy
Dabney Coleman ... Ron
Charles Durning ... Les
Bill Murray ... Jeff
Sydney Pollack ... George Fields
George Gaynes ... John Van Horn
Geena Davis ... April
Doris Belack ... Rita
Ellen Foley ... Jacqui
Peter Gatto Peter Gatto ... Rick
Lynne Thigpen ... Jo
Ronald L. Schwary ... Phil Weintraub
Debra Mooney ... Mrs. Mallory
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Storyline

Michael Dorsey is an unemployed actor with an impossible reputation. In order to find work and fund his friend's play he dresses as a woman, Dorothy Michaels, and lands the part in a daytime drama. Dorsey loses himself in this woman role and essentially becomes Dorothy Michaels, captivating women all around the city and inspiring them to break free from the control of men and become more like Dorsey's initial identity. This newfound role, however, lands Dorsey in a hot spot between a female friend/'lover,' a female co-star he falls in love with, that co-star's father who falls in love with him, and a male co-star who yearns for his affection. Written by Bryan Kuniyoshi

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

This Christmas everyone will know that she's Dustin Hoffman and he's Tootsie. See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Certificate:

Tous publics | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The song that John Van Horn (George Gaynes) sings outside of Michael Dorsey's (Dustin Hoffman's) apartment is "I'll Know" from the stage musical "Guys and Dolls". See more »

Goofs

When Michael is packing his clothes for the trip, they move around in his suitcase between shots. See more »

Quotes

Michael Dorsey: [fussing over selecting an outfit for dinner] This is our first date, I just want to look pretty for her.
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Crazy Credits

Dustin Hoffman is credited twice: Dustin Hoffman .... Michael Dorsey Dustin Hoffman .... Dorothy Michaels See more »

Alternate Versions

Original UK release was cut by 6 seconds to obtain a "PG" classification. Subsequently passed uncut with a "15" certificate. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Venom (2018) See more »

Soundtracks

It Might Be You
(1982)
Lyrics by Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman
Music by Dave Grusin
Sung by Stephen Bishop
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User Reviews

 
Dustin at one of his best moments
27 December 1999 | by All American GirlSee all my reviews

It's more than a movie about a man in drag and it's more than just a great movie. This movie goes to show that Dustin Hoffman is best at playing the oh-so-very-different characters. Whether it's his unforgettable character in Rainman or Michael Dorsey/Dorthy Michael in this, Dustin is at his best when he plays someone DIFFERENT, someone who is not your average person.

This film will make you laugh, that's for sure, but it'll also make you rethink about the things that really make you happy in your life, something too few of us think about...almost never.


61 of 74 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 March 1983 (France) See more »

Also Known As:

Tootsie See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$21,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,540,470, 19 December 1982

Gross USA:

$177,200,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$177,200,000
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1
See full technical specs »

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