Tootsie

Critics Consensus

Tootsie doesn't squander its high-concept comedy premise with fine dialogue and sympathetic treatment of the characters.

89%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 47

81%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 58,401
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Movie Info

Michael Dorsey is a talented actor, but his demanding nature and stubborn temperament have antagonized every producer in New York. Now his agent insists no one will hire him. But Michael needs money - eight thousand dollars to be exact - and to earn it, he's willing to play the role of a lifetime. Dustin Hoffman stars with Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Bill Murray and Geena Davis in director Sydney Pollack's heart-filled classic that heralded a new era of Hollywood wig-flipping and set a new standard for unpredictable laugh-out-loud comedy.

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Cast

Dustin Hoffman
as Michael/Dorothy
Jessica Lange
as Julie
Teri Garr
as Sandy
Dabney Coleman
as Ron
Charles Durning
as Les
Bill Murray
as Jeff
Sydney Pollack
as George Fields
George Gaynes
as John Van Horn
Geena Davis
as April
Doris Belack
as Rita
Ellen Foley
as Jacqui
Peter Gatto
as Rick
Lynne Thigpen
as Jo
Ronald L. Schwary
as Phil Weintraub
Toni Howard
Debra Mooney
as Mrs. Mallory
Amy Lawrence
as Amy
Lynn Stalmaster
Kenny Sinclair
as Boy
Susan Merson
as Page
Michael Ryan
as Middle-Aged Man
James Carruthers
as Middle-Aged Man
Robert D. Wilson Sr.
as Stage Hand
Estelle Getty
as Middle-Aged Woman
Christine Ebersole
as Linda
Bernie Pollack
as Actor
Sam Stoneburner
as Actor
Marjorie Lovett
as Salesgirl
Willy Switkes
as Man at Cab
Gregory Camillucci
as Maitre d'
Barbara Spiegel
as Billie
Tony Craig
as Joel
Walter Cline
as Bartender
Suzanne von Schaack
as Party Girl
John F. Carpenter
as First Actor
Anne Shropshire
as Mrs. Crawley
Pamela Lincoln
as Secretary
Bob Levine
as Second Actor
Mary Donnet
as Receptionist
Bernie Passeltiner
as Mac
Susan Egbert
as Diane
Mallory Jones
as Girl
Patti Cohane
as Girl
Kas Self
as Acting Student
Murray Schisgal
as Party Guest
Greg Gorman
as Photographer
Richard Whiting
as Priest
Tom Mardirosian
as Stage Manager
Jim Jansen
as Stage Manager
Phillip Borsos
Richard Wirth
as Mel
Robert Meadows
Gavin Reed
as Director
Annie Korzen
as Autograph Hound
Ibbits Warriner
as Autograph Hound
Lois De Banzie
as Autograph Hound
Stephen C. Prutting
as Autograph Hound
Carole Holland
as Autograph Hound
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Critic Reviews for Tootsie

All Critics (47) | Top Critics (9)

  • Both [Garr and Lange] are excellent, and Miss Lange continues her promise to become a superstar of the 1980s.

    Nov 12, 2018 | Full Review…

    Bob Thomas

    Associated Press
    Top Critic

  • It is not just the best comedy of the year; it is popular art on the way to becoming cultural artifact.

    Oct 5, 2008 | Full Review…

    Richard Schickel

    TIME Magazine
    Top Critic

  • ...there are several solid laughs and some excellent supporting performances.

    Jun 28, 2007 | Full Review…

    Dave Kehr

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • The tone is quick-witted and appealing, with some of the smartest dialogue this side of Billy Wilder...

    Feb 9, 2006 | Full Review…

    Geoff Andrew

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • It turns out to be a touching love story, after all -- so touching that you may be surprised how moved you are at the conclusion of this comedy.

    Oct 23, 2004 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

    Roger Ebert

    Chicago Sun-Times
    Top Critic

  • Tootsie restores the original meaning to the term 'situation comedy,' free of the pejorative associations that have accrued over the years because of the glut of awful ones on television.

    May 20, 2003 | Rating: 4/5

    Vincent Canby

    New York Times
    Top Critic
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Audience Reviews for Tootsie

  • Apr 16, 2019
    Undeniably has some great scenes (i.e. just about anything with Teri Garr or Bill Murray) but on the whole its a little too long and the romance isn't all that convincing.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Dec 31, 2014
    I can watch this film again and again. Hoffman has fun puncturing the real-life perception of himself and although he never fully convinces as a woman he comes bloody close. Throw in a young Murray and Lange and you have an 80's classic that everyone (but especially actors) will love.
    David S Super Reviewer
  • May 12, 2014
    Although revered in its time, Tootsie has not aged well. It seems a trite bit silly in the here and now.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Oct 23, 2013
    Tootsie is simply the worst type of American humor: one that has a clever idea in its hands but takes it in a completely wrong direction, letting it die in a predictable plot that looks like a cheap soap opera and bears a stupid sitcom sense of humor.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
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