Basil Hoffman
Biography: Basil Harry Hoffman (January 18, 1938 — September 17, 2021) was an American actor with a film and television career spanning five decades, mostly in supporting roles. He starred in films with many award-winning directors, including Alan Pakula and Robert Redford. He has also authored two books about acting, including Acting and How to Be Good at It. Hoffman was born in Houston, Texas in January 1938, the son of Beulah (née Novoselsky) and David Hoffman, an antique dealer. He graduated from Tulane University; and he spent two years at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, receiving a scholarship for the second, graduating year. His thirteen years of work in New York included many plays, some roles in episodic television, a recurring character on One Life to Live on ABC, hundreds of commercials and a film role in Lady Liberty with Sophia Loren, directed by Mario Monicelli. He made his first trip to Los Angeles in 1974. In that season, he filmed a theatrical feature, At Long Last Love, for Peter Bogdanovich. In the years that followed he appeared in two television movies, television episodes of Kung Fu, The Rockford Files, Sanford and Son (2 roles), Police Woman, Columbo, Kojak, M*A*S*H (2 roles), Barney Miller and several TV commercials. He had recurring roles as the fingerprint technician on Ellery Queen and as Principal Dingleman on Square Pegs. Although most of his work was in film and television, he made a few stage appearances, most notably in Sand Mountain, by Romulus Linney, for which he won a Drama-Logue Award, the first staged reading of Martin E. Brooks’ Joe and Flo at the Actors Studio, and the world premiere of William Blinn's Walking Peoria. He was best known for his work with distinguished film directors, including Peter Bogdanovich, Mario Monicelli, Richard Benjamin, Carl Reiner (twice), Peter Medak (six times) and Alan J. Pakula (twice); Academy Award winners Joel and Ethan Coen, Paolo Sorrentino, Michel Hazanavicius, Steven Spielberg, Delbert Mann, Blake Edwards, Stanley Donen, Sydney Pollack, Ron Howard and Robert Redford (twice as director); and others. His films include: All the President's Men, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, My Favorite Year, The Box, The Electric Horseman, Night Shift, Lucky Lady, Switch, The Milagro Beanfield War, Rio, I Love You, The Pineville Heist, and the Academy Award-winning Best Pictures Ordinary People and The Artist, among many others. A long-time private acting teacher and coach, he was also a frequent guest lecturer and teacher at prestigious professional and academic institutions, including the American Film Institute, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Emerson College, the University of Southern California, Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, and the Academie Libanaise des Beaux Arts in Beirut, Lebanon. In 2008, he returned to Beirut as a U.S. State Department Cultural Envoy to Lebanon to teach acting and directing at the University of Balamand's Academie Libanaise des Beaux Arts, Lebanese University, Notre Dame University and St. Joseph University's Institut D'Etude Sceniques Audiovisuelles et Cinematographiques. ... Source: Article "Basil Hoffman" from Wikipedia in English, licensed under CC-BY-SA 3.0.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: January 18, 1938
Deathday: September 17, 2021
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Known For
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
1977-12-14
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Overview: After an encounter with UFOs, an electricity linesman feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area in the wilderness where something spectacular is about to happen.
Genres: Science Fiction Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1977-12-14
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Down with Love
2003-05-08
Down with Love
Overview: In 1962 New York City, love blossoms between a playboy journalist and a feminist advice author.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2003-05-08
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My Favorite Year
1982-10-01
My Favorite Year
Overview: Fledgling comic Benjy Stone can't believe his luck when his childhood hero, the swashbuckling matinee idol Alan Swann, gets booked to appear on the variety show he writes for. But when Swann arrives, he fails to live up to his silver screen image. Instead, he's a drunken womanizer who suffers from stage fright. Benjy is assigned to look after him before the show, and it's all he can do to keep his former idol from going completely off the rails.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1982-10-01
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Love’s Dark Ride
1978-04-02
Love’s Dark Ride
Overview: A young advertising executive, blinded in a gun accident, attempts to rebuild his life and career by living through a nightclub entertainer who befriends him.
Genres: Drama Romance TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1978-04-02
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The Elvira Show
1993-01-01
The Elvira Show
Overview: Filmed for CBS in 1993, this unaired pilot features the witch Elvira, her aunt, and their pet cat welcoming a long-lost niece into their new Kansas home and contending with a couple of overzealous cops.
Genres: Comedy TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-01-01
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Comes a Horseman
1978-10-25
Comes a Horseman
Overview: Ella Connors is a single woman who gets pressured to sell her failing cattle farm to her corrupt ex-suitor, Jacob Ewing. She asks for help from her neighbor, Frank Athearn. As Ella and Frank fight back through stampedes, jealousy, betrayal, and sabotage... they eventually find love.
Genres: Western Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1978-10-25
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Night Shift
1982-07-30
Night Shift
Overview: A nebbish of a morgue attendant gets shunted back to the night shift where he is shackled with an obnoxious neophyte partner who dreams of the "one great idea" for success. His life takes a bizarre turn when a prostitute neighbor complains about the loss of her pimp. His partner, upon hearing the situation, suggests that they fill that opening themselves using the morgue at night.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1982-07-30
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Ordinary People
1980-09-19
Ordinary People
Overview: Beth, Calvin, and their son Conrad are living in the aftermath of the death of the other son. Conrad is overcome by grief and misplaced guilt to the extent of a suicide attempt. He is in therapy. Beth had always preferred his brother and is having difficulty being supportive to Conrad. Calvin is trapped between the two trying to hold the family together.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1980-09-19
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Lucky Louie
2023-05-02
Lucky Louie
Overview: A retired cop teams up with four ex-convicts and a behavioral science student to solve a fifty year old bank robbery.
Genres: Family Comedy Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2023-05-02
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Jennifer: A Woman’s Story
1979-03-05
Jennifer: A Woman’s Story
Overview: The widow of a wealthy shipbuilder tries to hold onto his business and becomes involved with boardroom intrigue in her bitter struggle to maintain control of the company. Based on British TV series "The Foundation." Pilot to a prospective series.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1979-03-05
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The Artist
2011-10-12
The Artist
Overview: Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break.
Genres: Drama Comedy Romance
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 2011-10-12
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Lambada
1990-03-16
Lambada
Overview: Kevin Laird is a Beverly Hills school teacher by day and a mystery man by night. Using his lambada dance moves to first earn the kid's respect and acceptance, Kevin then teaches them academics. But when a jealous student exposes Kevin's double life, his two worlds collide, threatening his job and reputation.
Genres: Drama Music Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1990-03-16
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3 Geezers!
2013-05-22
3 Geezers!
Overview: Follow actor J Kimball as he researches what it's like to be old for a role in an upcoming movie. When he meets the residents at The Coconuts convalescent home, he quickly discovers that his perceptions of the elderly may be off from today's reality. After being on the wrong end of some pranks, J enlists the help of his Hollywood friends to turn the tides. Mayhem ensues.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2013-05-22
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At Long Last Love
1975-03-01
At Long Last Love
Overview: Four socialites unexpectedly clash: heiress Brooke Carter runs into gambler Johnny Spanish at the race track while playboy Michael O. Pritchard nearly runs into stage star Kitty O'Kelly with his car. Backstage at Kitty's show, it turns out she and Brooke are old friends who attended public school together. The foursome do the town, accompanied by Brooke's companion Elizabeth, who throws herself at Michael's butler and chauffeur Rodney James.
Genres: Comedy Music Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1975-03-01
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Hefner: Unauthorized
1999-12-08
Hefner: Unauthorized
Overview: The unauthorized biography of Hugh Hefner and the birth of the Playboy empire.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-12-08
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When Life Gives You Lemons
2010-01-01
When Life Gives You Lemons
Overview: Retired Oscar-winning actor Calvin Adams attempts to outwit some neighborhood kids in a battle to sell the most lemonade.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2010-01-01
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Culture
1997-10-01
Culture
Overview: A junior editor gets a nice promotion while working for a famous New York daily. With the function comes a secretary, a veteran lady accustomed in a certain working tradition. But her new boss goes on a different working culture whose motto is "Speed, efficiency and organization".
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1997-10-01
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Lady Liberty
1971-12-22
Lady Liberty
Overview: An Italian woman faces challenges at JFK Airport when Customs confiscates the mortadella sausage she brought as a gift for her fiancé, leading to a humorous and frustrating ordeal.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: it
Release Date: 1971-12-22
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The Milagro Beanfield War
1988-03-18
The Milagro Beanfield War
Overview: The accidental breakdown of an irrigation valve launches a hot confrontation between the mainly Latino farmers in a tiny New Mexico town and the real estate developers and politicians determined to acquire their land for a golf resort.
Genres: Comedy Drama Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-03-18
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Ellery Queen: Too Many Suspects
1975-03-23
Ellery Queen: Too Many Suspects
Overview: When a famous fashion designer is found murdered, Inspector Richard Queen of the NYPD is baffled by her dying clue, prompting him to bring in his son, mystery writer Ellery Queen, to help in the investigation. This was the pilot film for the short-lived TV series.
Genres: Mystery TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1975-03-23
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Third Act
2022-01-01
Third Act
Overview: "Third Act" follows a beloved theater troupe facing eviction, prompting them to scheme a bank heist while filming on-site. Combining the humor of 'The Office' with the cinematic essence of 'Birdman', the film intertwines comedy and a behind-the-scenes vibe of the entertainment world.
Genres: Drama Comedy Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2022-01-01
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Throwdown
2014-12-31
Throwdown
Overview: A young criminal defense attorney struggles with a homicide case that is not as cut and dry as it appears while battling a drinking habit. The story goes beyond the lives of those directly related to the case and shines a much needed spotlight on the horrific world of human trafficking in the United States.
Genres: Thriller Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2014-12-31
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Cage Without a Key
1975-03-14
Cage Without a Key
Overview: A high school girl who needs a ride accepts one from a boy she doesn't know. He then forces her to participate in a robbery, in which a clerk is killed. They are soon caught, and the girl, despite her protestations of innocence, is convicted of first-degree murder and sent to prison. Once she gets there, she finds out that her troubles are just beginning.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1975-03-14
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The French American
2015-10-15
The French American
Overview: The French American is a drama film directed by Darla Rae
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2015-10-15
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Games Mother Never Taught You
1982-11-27
Games Mother Never Taught You
Overview: Hard-working career wife Laura becomes the first female executive in an all-male office and is dismayed to find she now has to learn the rules of the corporate game.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1982-11-27
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Surreal Estate
2011-10-20
Surreal Estate
Overview: “SURREAL ESTATE” is a dark comedy short about a man, Mr. Smith, who attempts to rent a house and everything that can go wrong…does. It’s for anyone who has ever been to the DMV, changed checkout lines in a supermarket, or tried to navigate an automated telephone menu. It's the absurd chaos that develops in our minds as fantasy, but for Mr. Smith, it's all too real.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-10-20
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Rio, I Love You
2014-09-12
Rio, I Love You
Overview: The third episode of the Cities of Love franchise, Rio, I Love You is an anthology, created by 10 visionary directors from across the globe. The story line of each segment focuses on an encounter of love in a different neighborhood of the city, demonstrating the distinctive qualities and character of that location. The film serves to bridge gaps between cultures, educating and entertaining the audience, while celebrating unique and universal expressions of love.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: pt
Release Date: 2014-09-12
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Scout's Honor
1980-09-30
Scout's Honor
Overview: Gary Coleman stars as little Joey Seymour, a clever but lonely orphan shuffled from one foster home to the next, who is also determined to be the best Cub Scout ever. Pearl Bartlett (Katherine Helmond) is a hard-working executive who dislikes children, but she must take on a troop of Cub Scouts and become a den mother to save her job. Somewhere along the way, Joey teaches Pearl the true meaning of caring.
Genres: Family Comedy Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1980-09-30
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All the President's Men
1976-04-09
All the President's Men
Overview: During the 1972 elections, two reporters' investigation sheds light on the controversial Watergate scandal that compels President Nixon to resign from his post.
Genres: Drama History Mystery Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1976-04-09
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Welcome Home, Jellybean
1984-03-24
Welcome Home, Jellybean
Overview: A CBS Schoolbreak Special about a 12-year-old mentally-challenged girl whose parents decide to remove her from the institution where she was raised, and try to give her a home life.
Genres: Drama Family TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1984-03-24
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Mimi & Me
1991-09-07
Mimi & Me
Overview: Mimi, a free spirited girl out shopping, is given a mysterious box by a dying man, who instructs her not to give it to his killers. While being chased by the thugs who killed him, she meets Howard, an uptight dental student, who enlists his private detective uncle to help them find out the truth about the box.
Genres: Comedy Crime TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1991-09-07
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The Ratings Game
1984-12-15
The Ratings Game
Overview: A New Jersey trucker creates a hit TV show with help from his girlfriend in the ratings business.
Genres: Comedy Romance TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1984-12-15
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The Pineville Heist
2016-04-06
The Pineville Heist
Overview: A high school teen stumbles into the aftermath of a bank robbery gone wrong and finds himself locked inside his school trying to keep himself and his teacher alive as one of the psychotic robbers hunts them down.
Genres: Action Thriller Crime Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-04-06
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Communion
1989-11-10
Communion
Overview: A novelist's wife and son see him changed by an apparent encounter with aliens in the mountains.
Genres: Drama Horror Science Fiction Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-11-10
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The Ice Runner
1992-01-01
The Ice Runner
Overview: US-agent West travels to Moscow for the CIA in order to buy Russian weapons and to send them to the rebels in Afghanistan. When West gets caught he hides his identity and receives 15 years in a working camp in Siberia as penalty
Genres: Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-01-01
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America on Parade
1976-04-03
America on Parade
Overview: Television special for the American Bicentennial starring Red Skelton, featuring the America on Parade pageant at Disneyland.
Genres: Family
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1976-04-03
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Discovering Ella
2023-07-08
Discovering Ella
Overview: The (mostly) true story of the greatest jazz drummer you've never heard of who stumbled upon a 16-year-old singer and nurtured her into a legend.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2023-07-08
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Hail, Caesar!
2016-02-05
Hail, Caesar!
Overview: When a Hollywood star mysteriously disappears in the middle of filming, the studio sends their fixer to get him back.
Genres: Comedy Crime Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-02-05
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The Last Word
2017-03-03
The Last Word
Overview: A retired businesswoman – who tries to control everything around her – decides to write her own obituary. A young journalist takes up the task of finding out the truth, and the result is a life-altering friendship.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2017-03-03
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Love at First Bite
1979-04-26
Love at First Bite
Overview: Dracula and Renefield relocate to 70's era New York in search of Cindy Sondheim, the reincarnation of Dracula's one true love, Mina Harker. "Trouble adjusting" is a wild understatement for the Count as he battles Cindy's psychiatrist, Jeffrey Rosenberg, a descendant of Van Helsing, who may almost certainly, possibly, may be in love with Cindy too.
Genres: Romance Comedy Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1979-04-26
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The Electric Horseman
1979-12-21
The Electric Horseman
Overview: A former champion rodeo rider is reduced to using his saddle skills to promote a breakfast cereal in a gaudy Las Vegas show. When he's asked to perform with a $12 million horse, he discovers it is being doped to remain docile. He flees into the desert astride the beast in an act of defiance. A story-hungry female reporter gives chase.
Genres: Drama Romance Comedy Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1979-12-21
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The Great Ice Rip-Off
1974-11-06
The Great Ice Rip-Off
Overview: A retired cop goes up against a slick jewel thief and his gang, who have pulled a diamond heist and are trying to smuggle the diamonds cross-country.
Genres: TV Movie Crime Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1974-11-06
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The Box
2009-10-29
The Box
Overview: Norma and Arthur Lewis, a suburban couple with a young child, receive a simple wooden box as a gift, which bears fatal and irrevocable consequences. A mysterious stranger delivers the message that the box promises to bestow upon its owner $1 million with the press of a button. However pressing this button will simultaneously cause the death of another human being somewhere in the world; someone they don't know. With just 24 hours to have the box in their possession, Norma and Arthur find themselves in the cross-hairs of a startling moral dilemma and must face the true nature of their humanity.
Genres: Thriller Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-10-29
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Switch
1991-05-10
Switch
Overview: Steve Brooks, a sexist womanizer, is killed by a group of his angry former lovers. In heaven, he makes a bargain with God for redemption and agrees to return to Earth. Once there, he must have a sincere relationship with a female and make her fall in love with him. If not, Steve's soul will become the property of the devil. But the devil hedges his bet, and Steve is reincarnated as a woman named Amanda Brooks.
Genres: Fantasy Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1991-05-10
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All of Me
1984-09-21
All of Me
Overview: Just before stubborn millionaire Edwina Cutwater dies, she asks her uptight lawyer, Roger Cobb, to amend her will so that her soul will pass to the young, vibrant Terry Hoskins – but the spiritual transference goes awry. Edwina enters Roger's body instead, forcing him to battle Edwina for control of his own being.
Genres: Comedy Fantasy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1984-09-21
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Mr. Roberts
2019-05-17
Mr. Roberts
Overview: The question is...do you ever really know anyone?
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-05-17
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