Tamar Simon Hoffs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tamar Simon Hoffs
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Hoffs in 2009
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| Born |
Tamar Ruth Simon
October 23, 1934 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Occupation | Director, producer, screenwriter |
| Spouse(s) | Joshua Hoffs |
| Children | John Susanna Jesse |
| Parent(s) | Ralph Simon |
Tamar Simon Hoffs (born October 23, 1934) is an American filmmaker. She is well-known for directing independent movies like Red Roses and Petrol (2003) and Pound of Flesh (2009). Both of these films starred the actor Malcolm McDowell. Tamar Hoffs is also the mother of Susanna Hoffs, who is a singer in the famous band The Bangles.
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Early Life and Education
Tamar Hoffs was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest child in her family. She grew up in Chicago and went to the University of Chicago. There, she earned a bachelor's degree. She continued her studies at Yale University and the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Starting a Career in Film
After moving to Los Angeles, Tamar Hoffs began working in movies almost by chance. Her friend, actor Leonard Nimoy, asked her to help with the art for his independent film, Deathwatch. This was her first step into the film world.
In 1974, she helped write the movie Lepke for Warner Brothers. This film starred Tony Curtis. Later, Hoffs wrote and produced Stony Island. This was an independent movie about young R&B musicians in Chicago. The film was shown at several important film festivals. It won the Lincoln Award at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Directing and Producing Films
In 1980, Tamar Hoffs was chosen for a special program called the AFI Directing Workshop for Women. Her first time directing a film was a short comedy called The Haircut (1983). This movie starred John Cassavetes. It was shown at the 1983 Cannes Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival.
In 1987, Hoffs made history. She became the first woman to be the director, writer, and producer for a major studio movie. This film was called The Allnighter.
She continued to create films for young people. In 1989, she wrote, produced, and directed the musical Rock n' Read. She also worked on Smokin': Somebody Stop Me (1999). This was a series about the dangers of using tobacco. Hoffs also helped produce and write the animated TV series, Horrible Histories (2001).
Later Film Projects
In 2003, Hoffs wrote, directed, and produced Red Roses and Petrol. This movie was based on a play and starred Malcolm McDowell. Her next film was Pound of Flesh, released in 2010. It also starred Malcolm McDowell.
Tamar Hoffs has also directed and produced many music videos. She worked on "Going Down to Liverpool" and "If She Knew What She Wants" for The Bangles. She also directed a play called Ghost Music in 1984.
She is a member of important groups for filmmakers. These include the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America West.
Family Life
Tamar Hoffs was married to Joshua Allen Hoffs for 67 years. He passed away in 2024. They have three children: John, Jesse, and Susanna Hoffs. Susanna is a singer in the band The Bangles.
Filmography
- Pound of Flesh (writer, director, producer), 2009
- Red Roses and Petrol (writer, director, producer), 2003
- Horrible Histories (TV series) (producer), 2001–2002
- Rock & Read (writer, director, producer), 1989
- The Allnighter (writer, director), 1987
- The Bangles music video "If She Knew What She Wants" (producer), 1986
- Stand Alone (associate producer), 1985
- The Bangles music video "Going Down to Liverpool" (director), 1984
- The Haircut (writer, director), 1982
- Stony Island (writer, producer), 1978
- At Home with Shields and Yarnell (associate producer), 1978
- Lepke (writer), 1975
