Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death came as a surprise to his family, fellow actors, and fans. On Feb. 2 Hoffman was found dead at the age of 46 in his New York Apartment from an apparent drug overdose. Found by a friend, Hoffman had a syringe in his arm and an envelope of heroin near him. Many in shock expressed their sorrow over the matter.
Robert De Niro stated, “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.”
One of Hoffman’s recent co-stars, Julianne Moore said, “I feel so fortunate to have known and worked with the extraordinary Philip Seymour Hoffman, and am deeply saddened by his passing.”
Considered one of the most dedicated and talented actors of the past twenty years, the New York Times front page obituary referred to Hoffman as “perhaps the most ambitious and widely admired American actor of his generation.”
With a reported count of nearly fifty envelopes of heroin and twenty used syringes found in his apartment, Hoffman’s death was another celebrity life cut short by addiction. In a 2006 interview with 60 Minutes, Hoffman said he gave up drugs and alcohol at the age of 22 after a serious addiction problem.
Hoffman was clean for a reported 23 years, until he started drinking again at a party in 2012. This later escalated to the use of prescription pills and a relapse to heroin. In May 2013, Hoffman checked into rehab for ten days for substance abuse.
His funeral on Feb. 7 saw many of his family members and fellow actors in attendance. Diane Sawyer, Amy Adams, Joaquin Phoenix, Meryl Streep, Spike Lee, Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore, Mary Louise Parker and Cate Blanchett all attended the funeral to say their goodbyes.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson, who prominently featured Hoffman in four of his films, delivered a eulogy at his funeral, recounting the time spent with him. Filling the room with warm laughter and sorrow, the ninety minute service ended with his coffin being carried out, leaving behind three children and his girlfriend of fifteen years as they carried his body away.
Some of Hoffman’s best works include Twister, Boogie Nights, The Big Lebowski, Magnolia, Almost Famous, 25th Hour, Capote, Mission: Impossible III, Charlie Wilson’s War, Doubt, Moneyball, and The Master. Featured in many classic films of the past twenty years, Hoffman has played a prominent role in Hollywood.
In 2006, he received an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actor in the film Capote. Hoffman was also known for playing Head Gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee in the most recent Hunger Games film. Set to appear in the final two Hunger Game films, Mockingjay Part 1 and 2, Hoffman finished filming all of his scenes for Part 1 with seven days still remaining for Part 2. Because of his sudden death, instead of rewriting the script or finding a new actor, Lionsgate plans on digitally recreating him.
His other last two films, A Most Wanted Man and God’s Pocket premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last month. Hoffman was also known for his work in theater and was nominated for three Tony awards throughout his career. His most recent film was the 2012 Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman as the main character. Hoffman will be missed amongst many in Hollywood.
While Hoffman was rarely found playing the lead in his most memorable films, he will be remembered for his powerful personality. Even in the most minor roles, Hoffman always found a way to leave a rich mark behind his performances. The void he has left behind is impossible to fill, Hoffman’s work across the past twenty years will be remembered for a legacy of great performances throughout his entire career.