Dustin Hoffman to appear in TV horseracing drama

Dustin Hoffman is one of the world's most recognised faces and beloved film actors of all time. Roles in such acclaimed movies as "The Graduate" (1967), "Death of a Salesman" (1986) as well as "Kramer versus Kramer" and "The Rain Man" have earned him both respect and popularity among critics and the general public. Now the Oscar winning actor is scheduled to break into television with a major role in HBO's horseracing drama pilot, "Luck".

By Joshua Weinstein

The drama comes straight from the imagination of writers Michael Mann and David Milch. Focussing on the bizarre worlds of horseracing and gambling, the story unfolds through a number of characters and personalities surrounding a single race track. Hoffman plays the part of a smart gambler involved in numerous operations including bookmaking, money laundering and casinos. Following his release from prison, Hoffman's character joins
Gus Economou (played by Dennis Farina) to hatch an ambitious plan.

The new pilot is on track for a spring production based in LA. Directed by Mann himself, the show will be produced by Carolyn Strauss and Henry Bonchtein. Filled with top names and a fast paced, adrenaline fuelled plot line, "Luck" certainly looks like one to watch this year. Hoffman fans all over the world will no doubt be keen to see how the movie star appears on TV in what represents a new and exciting departure for the actor. Let's hope his "luck" holds out in the weird and wonderful world of horseracing. Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the programme looks set to unite movie and sportsbetting fans alike through one of the hottest new shows around.