10 Hit Movies Actors Thought Would Kill Their Careers

10. Dustin Hoffman - Rain Man

Such was Dustin Hoffman's self doubt during the filming of Rain Man, the 1988 classic he co-starred in with Tom Cruise, he began calling it 'Two Schmucks In A Car'.

Understandably playing an autistic man, Hoffman was nervous about potentially misrepresenting or offending the autistic community. All through the making of the Best Picture winner he made his feelings known to director Barry Levinson telling him early on "this is the worst week of my life".

Hoffman even began listing other actors who would be able to play the role of Raymond Babbitt better than him, notably recommending Jaws' Richard Dreyfuss. Believing this would end his impressive career - which aged 50 included four Oscar nominations and one Oscar win for Kramer v Kramer - it is no surprise he wanted to preserve his name and constantly attempted to exit the project throughout production.

The irony of course is that not only did Rain Man become the highest grossing film of 1988, it also became one of the most acclaimed performances of Hoffman's career earning him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. His nuanced performance also managed to raise awareness as well as dispel common misconceptions around autism.