Oscar-Winner Philip Seymour Hoffman Dead at 46
Philip Seymour Hoffman, a towering icon of modern cinema, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment today according to the Wall Street Journal and New York Post. He was 46 years old.
Hoffman won a well-deserved Oscar for his work in 'Capote' and his 20-year career saw him working with many of the best and most influential filmmakers of the '00s, from Paul Thomas Anderson to the Coens. He recently appeared in 'Moneyball,' 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' and 'The Master,' but his extended filmography includes 'Boogie Nights,' 'The Big Lebowski,' 'Synecdoche, New York,' 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' and countless other extraordinary films. Few actors have showcased such range, with Hoffman delivering powerful dramatic performances like his role in 'Magnolia' and elevating goofy, lowbrow comedies with hilariously broad work in movies like 'Along Came Polly.' He was also a burgeoning filmmaker himself, directing the underrated 'Jack Goes Boating.'
At the time of his death, Hoffman was still working on the 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1' and 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2' and was preparing to direct Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal in 'Ezekiel Moss.' The current state of these projects is undetermined.
His family has released a statement, saying:
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.
While a medical examiner will determine the official cause of death, current reports indicate that Hoffman died from a drug overdose. Law enforcement officials confirm that Hoffman was found with used bags of heroin near his body and a syringe still in his arm. Considering that Hoffman checked into rehab last year as part of a lifelong struggle with addiction, this is the most tragic outcome imaginable. But no matter the circumstances, one thing is very clear: we've lost a titan of the silver screen.
Cinema is a little less beautiful and a little less powerful today.