A few years ago, Dustin Hoffman was preparing himself for a role in a film. He arrived on set, after a couple of sleepless nights, looking a bit like death warmed up. One of his co-stars asked why he looked so bad. Hoffman said, "How else am I supposed to prepare for the role?" Who was the co-star, and what was his reply?

lanfranco

The co-star was Laurence Olivier, and he supposedly replied, "Try acting, dear boy." Interesting tale, but I wonder whether it's true: http://britishtheatreguide.info/articles/250704.htm Apr 13 07, 11:42 AM

romeomikegolf

Not sure. I saw an interview with Chuck Heston a few nights ago, and he told the story. The point he was making was that Hollywood was very much into 'method' acting, whereas actors like Olivier relied on talent. A very good story though, and typical of Olivier. Apr 13 07, 1:38 PM

lanfranco

"Method" acting isn't everything, but neither is talent. My guess is that Sir Laurence would never have been stupid enough to claim that he relied on "talent" alone. Apr 13 07, 6:41 PM