Ratso Rizzo is a fictional character from the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy, directed by John Schlesinger. Portrayed by actor Dustin Hoffman, Ratso is a small-time con artist living in New York City. He is known for his distinctive appearance, including a scruffy look and a limp, which adds to his character's charm and struggles. Ratso dreams of escaping to Florida, believing it to be a paradise where he can live a better life. In the film, Ratso forms a friendship with Joe Buck, a naive Texan played by Jon Voight. Together, they navigate the challenges of urban life, facing poverty and loneliness. Ratso's character represents the themes of friendship, survival, and the pursuit of dreams in a harsh