It’s a sad day for Hollywood. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, best known for his roles in Doubt, The Ides of March and Capote (for which he won the Best Actor Oscar in 2005), has passed away. In fact, his performance in Capote was ranked by Premiere magazine as #35 in the top 100 movie performances of all time. He won 22 other awards for that role.
Hoffman was found dead in his bathroom at his residence in West Village in Manhattan, New York.
According to The New York Times, a syringe was found stuck in his arm. The Wall Street Journal was the first to break the news of his death after a source in NYPD confirmed it, and they reported that Hoffman’s body was discovered by his friend, screenwriter David Katz who was concerned after Phillip hadn’t responded to his calls.
He leaves behind his partner Mimi O’Donnell, a costume designer who he had met during his time on Broadway, and three young children. His 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.”
Hoffman had had a drug problem in the past and was sober for 23 years till he relapsed in May 2013, after which he checked himself into rehab for substance abuse. In the past, the industry has lost screen legend Heath Ledger and Glee star Cory Monteith due to drug overdose as well.
His performances were always so powerful and he alway seemed to give it his all. He will be missed.
Check out some of his performances in some top rated movies:
Doubt
Charlie Wilson’s War
Capote
Mission Impossible III
Pix: PR Photos