Tootsie

Michael Dorsey is a talented but stubborn actor who can't find steady work in New York. Desperate for a lead, he invents a convincing female alter ego, Dorothy Michaels, and lands a role on a popular daytime drama. On set, Dorothy becomes a symbol of fresh confidence and progressive attitudes, attracting attention from colleagues and fans who assume she is a real woman. Michael navigates awkward situations as Dorothy, while his personal life grows tangled with Julie Nichols, a budding actress, and with his friend Sandy Lester, who suspects something is off. The disguise launches a comedy of errors that probes gender expectations, dating, and power in the audition room and on screen. The result is chaos with wit abounding.

Directed by Sydney Pollack, Tootsie arrived in 1982 from Columbia Pictures. The screenplay comes from Larry Gelbart, Murray Schisgal and Don McGuire, weaving original material with sharp stage-sense humor. Pollack balances workplace satire with romantic misdirection for broad appeal worldwide.

On a budget of about 21 million, the film earned roughly 177 million worldwide, making it a standout success for its era. Its commercial performance helped cement Pollack and Hoffman's status as box office draws and comedic risk-takers for audiences.

Dorothy Michaels became a late 20th century reference for gender performance in cinema. The character's stance on equal opportunity, paired with Hoffman's fearless cross-dressing performance, sparked conversations about sexism in the workplace and the line between comedy and social critique. The film's humor remains quotable and influential around the world.

Critics praised Hoffman's commitment and Lange's warmth, while acknowledging the film's sly critique of gender bias. The narrative uses disguise to spotlight how appearances shape respect and opportunity, revealing how society treats women in entertainment and relationships differently depending on who is presenting. The tone blends wit with bite today.