Movie and theatre star Philip Seymour Hoffman has died at his New York home, he was 46-years-old. Police say he apparently died of a heroin overdose. He is survived by his longtime partner and three children aged 10, 7 and 5.
Widely regarded as one the finest actors of his, or any, generation the Oscar-winning character actor had spoken publicly about problems with addiction. He had given up alcohol in his early 20s after a battle with drugs and drink, and last year admitted to relapsing after 23 years of sobriety and entered a detox facility for heroin abuse.
A New York native, Hoffman’s breakthrough film performance came in The Scent of a Woman (1992). Despite his distinctive physical appearance, his ability to transform himself into a character resulted in a diverse filmography including Boogie Nights (1997), The Big Lebowski (1998), Magnolia (1999), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), Punch-Drunk Love (2002), Lova Liza (2002), Capote (2005), The Savages (2007), Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007), Synecdoche, New York (2008), Moneyball (2011) and The Master (2012).
According to the Hollywood Reporter he had completed filming for the first instalment of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, and had seven days remaining to shoot on the second and final chapter.
Hoffman won the Best Actor Oscar for Capote in 2006, and was nominated three other times for Charlie Wilson’s War, Doubt and The Master. A founding member of the Labyrinth Theatre, he was also three times Tony nominated for his work on stage.
Tributes
His family said in a statement:
We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone. This is a tragic and sudden loss… Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.
Robert De Niro said in a statement:
I’m very, very saddened by the passing of Phil. He was a wonderful actor. This is one of those times where you say: ‘This just shouldn’t be’… He was so young and gifted and had so much going, so much to live for. My family and I send our deepest condolences to his family.
Julianne Moore (co-star in Boogie Nights, Magnolia and The Big Lebowski):
I feel so fortunate to have known and worked with the extraordinary Philip Seymour Hoffman, and am deeply saddened by his passing.
Steve Martin, referring to Hoffman’s 2012 Broadway performance in Death of a Salesmen, tweeted:
Shocked to hear of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death. If you missed him as Willy Loman, you missed a Willy Loman for all time.
Director Mike Nichols:
No words for this. He was too great and we’re too shattered.
Kevin Costner told AP:
Philip was a very important actor and really takes his place among the real great actors. It’s a shame. Who knows what he would have been able to do? But we’re left with the legacy of the work he’s done and it all speaks for itself.
Eddie Marsan (starring opposite Hoffman in the forthcoming God’s Pocket):
In spite of his incredible talent and body of work Philip said the thing he most lucked out on, was his kids. RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Director Spike Lee:
This morning I spoke to Edward Norton, Barry Pepper and Rosario Dawson. And all of us were in shock. His God given talent will be missed. Prayers and blessings to his family.
From the cast and crew of Hunger Games:
Words cannot convey the devastating loss we are all feeling right now. Philip was a wonderful person and an exceptional talent, and our hearts are breaking. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family.
Dear Philip, a beautiful beautiful soul. For the most sensitive among us the noise can be too much. Bless your heart. ;^{
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) February 2, 2014
A tragedy to lose as supremely talented an actor as Philip Seymour Hoffman. An unspeakable loss for film, theatre & all who knew him. RIP
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) February 2, 2014
Such shocking & sad news. RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman. One of the greatest actors of a generation and a sweet, funny & humble man.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) February 2, 2014
RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman. So sad. Such a great talent.
— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) February 2, 2014
R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman. One of the greats of his generation.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) February 2, 2014
