Hollywood icon Dustin Hoffman has revealed the simple reason behind his strict policy of always signing autographs for fans: it makes life easier.
The 88-year-old actor, known for classic films like Rain Man and The Graduate, shared his philosophy during a recent interview with Extra.
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Kindness as a Career Foundation
Hoffman directly ties his decades-long career to treating people well. "Life is easier if you're nice to people.
It's just easier," he said.
He explained that refusing a fan request alters his emotional state for the rest of the day.
The visible disappointment on a fan's face is something he cannot ignore.
"If you say no, there's an expression that you see on their face where you have reduced them and that's going to make you unhappy for hours," Hoffman stated.
The actor admitted that internal regret often follows immediately after turning someone away. He recalled thinking, "Why the f***, why did I do that?
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Why didn't I just sign it?"
New Perspective from Memoir Writing
Hoffman's reflections come as he promotes his latest film, Tuner, which releases this month. He also recently completed his memoir, which shifted his perspective on time.
"It's interesting because I didn't expect it to be as painful as it is because you're writing about something that's past, and that means it's not gonna happen again, and that's the hard part, I guess," he said.
Hoffman contrasted his current awareness of time with his younger mindset. "When you're younger, you don't think of life as being limited.
It's unlimited, it's just gonna go on. But if you're smart, you realise that every day is a miracle," he added.
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Different Approaches Among Celebrities
Not all celebrities share Hoffman's open approach. The Beatles' Sir Paul McCartney has publicly set boundaries against providing signatures and photographs.
McCartney told Reader's Digest that he finds autograph requests strange.
"It always struck me as a bit strange - 'Here, can I write your name down on the back of this till receipt please?'
Why? We both know who I am," he said.
The musician also criticized standard celebrity photos.
"What you've usually got is a ropey photo with a poor backdrop and me looking a bit miserable.
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Let's chat, let's exchange stories," McCartney explained.
