Dustin Hoffman Turned Down Taxi Driver Because Scorsese Was “Crazy”

Taxi Driver is now regarded as one of the best films ever, and Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Vietnam veteran Travis Bickle is seen as one of the best acting performances of all time.

So it comes as some surprise to hear that Dustin Hoffman turned the starring role down when it was offered to him by now legendary director Martin Scorsese. The reason? He thought he was crazy.

Hoffman was approached by Scorsese to star in the 1976 film, but because of the strange behaviour from the director, during the pitch, he turned it down flat.

“I remember meeting Martin Scorsese. He had no script and I didn’t even know who he was. I hadn’t seen any of his films and he talked a mile a minute telling me what the movie would be about.”

“I was thinking, ‘What is he talking about?’ I thought the guy was crazy! The film was ‘Taxi Driver’. I made so many dumb mistakes (turning down hit movies). The list is endless.”

Dustin, you idiot, that was a mistake to say the least, although I’m glad you made it because De Niro was perfect for the role, and I can’t imagine it being the same film with Hoffman in the lead role instead.

It hardly affected his career anyway, let’s be honest. It’s not like the 71 year old has struggled for roles since is it.

I would, however, be interested to know what other films are on Hoffman’s regret list, or any other actor for that matter.