Thom Hoffman's early career was marked by his portrayal of complex, troubled characters in films such as De Witte Waan, where he played a death-seeking junkie in 1984, and Zoeken Naar Eileen, where he depicted a desperately in love individual in 1987. He also appeared in De Avonden in 1989, taking on the role of Frits van Egters.
Hoffman has often been quoted as saying, "I have a dark look on human motives," a phrase that dates back to his debut film Luger in 1982, which was directed by Theo van Gogh. He has also described himself as "a hardworking man rather than a gifted actor" and someone who is "hard to put in one category."
Throughout his career, Hoffman has played leading roles in over sixty films and TV series, working with a diverse range of directors, including Sally Potter, Harry Kumel, Lars von Trier, Paul Verhoeven, and Ian Kerkhof. Following his role in The Fourth Man in 1982 and his award-winning performance in De Avonden in 1989, Verhoeven's film Blackbook brought Hoffman back into the international spotlight.
In addition to his work in front of the camera, Hoffman has also directed several documentaries about filmmakers he admires and has established himself as a successful photographer. In 2004, French actress Jeanne Moreau received the first copy of Hoffman's book "FOTO's Thom Hoffman" at the Ghent Film Festival.
Hoffman has also had a successful career in theater, working with Don van Dijke in the play "Publieksbeschimping; De Gasten Komen" in 1998.
