Philip Seymour Hoffman found dead in his NYC apartment

By Jessie Kuenzel

Staff Writer

This past Sunday, just as celebrations for Superbowl XLVIII were beginning, breaking news was heard around the country—and around the world—as the body of Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his New York City apartment.
The American actor, known for his work both in theatre and cinema, was only 46 years old when he passed away.

Much speculation has been made surrounding the circumstances of his death, but it is undisputed fact that Hoffman was a man of great talent. Hoffman won an Academy Award for best actor for his work in the movie “Capote” and was a three-time nominee for best supporting actor. He was also the recipient of three Tony Awards for his work in theatre and received a nomination for best leading actor in a play.

A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Hoffman’s first appearance was in an episode of the popular television show “Law & Order” that aired in 1991. Hoffman went on to appear in over 65 film and television titles, including “Scent of a Woman” (1992), “Patch Adams” (1998), “Along came Polly” (2004), “Mission: Impossible III” (2006) and “Pirate Radio” (2009).

Most recently, Hoffman appeared in “A Most Wanted Man,” “God’s Pocket,” and “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” His role in “The Hunger Games”—Plutarch Heavensbee—was due to be reprised in the upcoming films “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” parts one and two.

While “Mockingjay Part One” is currently in post-production, part two is still being filmed. As the last film that Hoffman was working on, many have wondered how or if his death will affect “Mockingjay Part Two.” It is reported that Hoffman had completed the majority of his work, with only seven days left of filming for the second part of the two-part film.

Lionsgate—the entertainment corporation responsible for “The Hunger Games” films—released a statement in the wake of Hoffman’s death saying, “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.”

“Mockingjay” leading lady Jennifer Lawrence, director Francis Lawrence, producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik, and book author Suzanne Collins released a joint statement also mourning the loss of their friend and co-worker: “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.”

In his two-decade career, Hoffman worked alongside some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, including Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Christopher Walken.

Many across the acting community have echoed the sentiment of Hoffman’s “exceptional talent”. Although he had been acting in films for nearly a decade before, his first widely praised work was in the biographical film “Capote,” where he played the starring role of Truman Capote. The film was nominated for five categories in the 78th Annual Academy Awards, and Hoffman took up the award for best actor.

Although many might not know it, Hoffman was also nominated for two Emmy awards, the first for his work in the HBO miniseries “Empire Falls,” and the second for his voice work in the children’s how “Arthur.”

Hoffman’s work in theatre, both as actor and director, earned him three Tony Award and two Drama Desk Award nominations. The last Tony Award Nomination he received was for his leading role in the 2012 revival of “Death of a Salesman.”

Hoffman met his partner of 15 years, Mini O’Donnell, on the set of “In Arabia We’d All Be Kings” where she was working as the costume designer and he was directing the play. The couple went on to have a son and two daughters, born in 2003, 2006, and 2008 respectively.

Hoffman revealed in a 2006 interview that he had suffered from a substance abuse problem after graduating college until he recovered after checking into rehab at age 22. Although he had remained clean for over 20 years, Hoffman was reported to have checked into a rehabilitation program for prescription pill and heroine addiction in May 2013.

The circumstances of his Feb. 2 death are still largely unknown, but investigators found a large quantity of heroin in the apartment where his body was found.

Although his tragic and sudden death has caused quite a stir over the past few days, Hoffman’s legacy as a truly talented actor will live on for decades—long after the gossip and rumors surrounding his passing have faded into silence.

Philip Seymour Hoffman—the man who shared his gift for acting with audiences for over 20 years—will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.