MAD ABOUT MADISON
Dustin Hoffman helped mark a milestone in a cause close to his heart. The veteran actor put on a hard hat, picked up a shovel and helped break ground on the Madison Project-a new community outreach organization at Santa Monica College.
Dustin, an SMC alumnus, has been one of the project’s main supporters from the very beginning. He says the facility will be a welcome addition to the Westside, providing top-notch educational and entertainment programs for years to come.
The actor also announced that his theater company, 3 Coasts, will play a starring role. The company plans to present two productions each year.
The complex includes a 540-seat performing arts hall, a new art gallery as well as an updated music department, a new rehearsal space and additional parking.
The $32 million project is expected to debut in 2007.
LONDON CALLING
Speaking of DH, the Oscar winner is looking for a change of scene. Seems like he’ll be spending less time on the beach in Malibu and more time in merry old England. Dustin and his wife Lisa already own a home in the stylish Kensington section of London, and now they’re ready to make a grand leap across the pond.
After a brief hiatus, the actor appeared in a spate of recent flicks including “I Heart Huckabees,” “Finding Neverland,” “Confidence” and “Meet the Fockers.”
While not his most sophisticated film, “Meet the Fockers” was a delight for Dustin. It allowed him to work alongside longtime pal and neighbor, Barbra Streisand. The actor says he had a blast working with Babs after knowing and admiring her for so many years.
These tremendous talents go way back. They met years ago when they were drama students and “neither of us had a nickel to rub together.”
Who knew they would end up having two of Hollywood’s most enduring careers?
From “Rain Man” to “Marathon Man,” “The Graduate” to “Wag the Dog,” we’ve seen Dustin in every role imaginable. But in the future, he plans to attend more performances than act in them. An admitted theater buff, he loves the English stage. For him, it’s just one more thing that adds to London’s allure. “The city really has it for me,” he explains, “culturally as well as in every other sense.”
So, jolly good, old chap! Don’t forget to pop round and see your pals. Pip, pip and Tally ho!