Hoffman was born in
Maryland, the son of Rose Hoffman. He had a brother and a sister. Hoffman attended
Johns Hopkins University, where he studied
medicine, and also attended Loyola College, where he studied
explosives engineering. Hoffman left college to help out and support his family. Hoffman began his career in 1937, when he appeared in two films,
Meet the Missus and
Forty Naughty Girls, playing the uncredited role of the "Orchestra Leader" in both films. Hoffman made his theatre debut in 1944, appearing in the Broadway play titled
Catherine Was Great. He also played the role of "Joey Biltmore" in
Guys and Dolls, during its first production. Hoffman later played the role of "
Pawnee Bill" in the Broadway play
Annie Get Your Gun. Hoffman later moved to
North Hollywood, California with his family. He played the role of "
Earthquake McGoon" in the
film version of the Broadway play ''
Li'l Abner''. Hoffman's film and television credits include,
On The Town,
Tombstone Territory,
The Man Who Understood Women,
Bonanza,
Ironside,
Death Valley Days,
The Phil Silvers Show,
Somebody Up There Likes Me,
Rawhide,
The Outfit and
The Streets of San Francisco. He played Marcus in "The Jarbo Pierce Story" S8 E26 of "Wagon Train", 1965. == Death ==