 In the spring of 2012 , Hoffman made his final stage appearance , starring as Willy Loman in a Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman . Directed by Mike Nichols , the production ran for 78 performances and was the highest @-@ grossing show in the Ethel Barrymore Theatre 's history . Many critics felt that Hoffman , at 44 , was too young for the role of 62 @-@ year @-@ old Loman , and Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune felt that the character had been interpreted poorly . Hoffman admitted that he found the role difficult , but he nevertheless earned his third Tony Award nomination . 
