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Aspiring Actor's Nightmare: Disappointing Dustin Hoffman in Disastrous Tryout
14 Nov
Summary
- Glen Powell was star-struck when Dustin Hoffman praised his work in The Great Debaters
- Hoffman offered Powell a part to read, but Powell's performance disappointed the legendary actor
- Powell watched "the life drain from Hoffman's eyes" as he realized he was not impressing the actor
In November 2025, rising actor Glen Powell shared a story about a memorable encounter with legendary actor Dustin Hoffman. During Powell's early days in the industry, he found himself sitting next to Hoffman at a dinner. Hoffman had seen Powell's work in the film The Great Debaters and was impressed, telling the young actor, "You're a good actor."
Hoffman then offered Powell a part to read, an opportunity that left Powell starstruck. However, as Powell began reading the script, his nerves got the better of him. "I was watching the life drain from his eyes, being like, 'This guy sucks so bad,'" Powell recalled. The aspiring actor had disappointed one of his acting idols, a moment he described as his "worst nightmare."
Despite the disastrous audition, Hoffman's praise for Powell's previous work suggests the legendary actor saw potential in the rising star. Powell's story serves as a reminder that even the most talented actors can face setbacks, but with perseverance, they may still have a chance to impress their heroes.
