Reports are coming in that director and Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead in his Manhattan apartment from an apparent drug overdose. Authorities found Hoffman with a needle in his arm. He was 46.
Hoffman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for the 2005 film Capote, and received three Academy Award nominations as Best Supporting Actor. He also received three Tony Award nominations for his work in the theater.
While he had been working as a professional actor for a few years by then, one of Hoffman’s first notable roles was in Paul Thomas Anderson’s debut feature, Hard Eight. Although he played a minor part in the 1996 film, Hoffman and Anderson would reteam for Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love and, most recently, The Master, for which Hoffman received his fourth Academy Award nomination. He was also nominated for his performances in Doubt and Charlie Wilson’s War, in addition to his Capote win.
Fans of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series know Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee, who made his debut in last year’s Catching Fire. Hoffman was set to play a major role in the upcoming two-film finale, Mockingjay, already in production.
Hoffman moved effortlessly from blockbuster fare like Twister, Red Dragon and Mission: Impossible III to more dramatic fare like The 25th Hour, The Ides of March, Almost Famous and Synecdoche, New York, writer/director Charlie Kaufman’s 2008 meditation on human life itself.
In 2010, Hoffman made his directorial debut with Jack Goes Boating, also playing the title character. He had plans to direct a second feature, Ezekiel Moss, with stars Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal attaching themselves to star just yesterday.
UPDATE: ComingSoon.net has learned that Hoffman’s work as Plutarch Heavensbee was substantially complete on The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and he had seven days remaining to shoot on The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. His death will not affect the films’ release dates of November 21, 2014 and November 20, 2015.
We’ve also received a statement from “The Hunger Games” distributor Lionsgate:
“Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation. We’re very fortunate that he graced our Hunger Games family. Losing him in his prime is a tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Philip’s family.”
UPDATE #2: We’ve received a statement from A Most Wanted Man director Anton Corbijn on the passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman:
“Hearing that Philip Seymour Hoffman passed away came as much as a shock to me as to anyone else i’d imagine. We spent some time together only 2 weeks ago and he seemed in a good place despite some issues he had to deal with. He was not only the most gifted actor i ever worked with (and judging by the legacy he leaves behind i am certain i share this with most if not all directors who were fortunate enough to work with him), he had also become an incredibly inspiring and supportive friend. i am so terribly sad as i find it impossible to comprehend what happened today and to collect my thoughts properly. I have to think about Mimi and the children and i wish them much strength coping with the loss of this truly great man as a father and partner.”
UPDATE #3: We received the following statement from Francis Lawrence, Suzanne Collins, Nina Jacobson, Jon Kilik, and Jennifer Lawrence on behalf of the cast and crew of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay 1 & 2:
“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.”
UPDATE #4: Investigators found about 50 bags or heroin and used syringes in Hoffman’s West Village apartment, according to ABC News. He leaves behind costume designer Mimi O’Donnell, who he had a relationship with for the last 15 years of his life, and their three children. The family issued the following 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 and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.”
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
