Seymour Hoffman found dead after suspected overdose
By Nick Levine
Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead at his New York apartment after a suspected drug overdose.
The actor, who won an Oscar for his performance in 2005’s Capote, a biopic of iconic gay writer Truman Capote, was 46 years old.
Hoffman’s family have 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.”
Hoffman was found in the bathroom of his fourth floor apartment in New York’s West Village at around 11.15am local time by a screenwriter, who then called the police. According to local law enforcement sources, Sky News reports, he was found with a syringe in his arm and a drug overdose is suspected. He had spoken in the past about his battles with drink and drug addiction.
The NYPD are now investigating and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has begun work to determine the exact cause of death.
As well as his Oscar-winning turn in Capote, Hoffman is known for his performances in films such as Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Almost Famous, Cold Mountain and The Savages. He scored three further Oscar nominations for his performances in Charlie Wilson’s War, Doubt and The Master, and was also nominated for three Tony Awards for his stage work.
Last year (2013) he was seen as head gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the second instalment in the hugely popular film franchise.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is survived by his longtime partner, costume designer Mimi O’Donnell, and their three children.