According to a report by the Wall Street Journal that hit the web this past Sunday, actor and Academy Award-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, age 46, was found dead in his New York apartment around 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2. His death was suspected to be the result of a drug overdose, as a law enforcement official reported to the Wall Street Journal that Hoffman was found with a needle in his arm.
Though Hoffman had reportedly struggled with drug addiction in the past, the official cause of death will not be determined until an autopsy is performed. According to an article by FOX News, as of now Hoffman’s death is being unofficially considered an accidental overdose rather than a suicide. FOX News also reported that an autopsy was to be performed on Monday, Feb. 3.
Hoffman is best known for his role as Brandt in the 1998 film “The Big Lebowski.” His other notable work includes “The Master” (2012), “Moneyball” (2011), “Doubt” (2008), “Charlie Wilson’s War” (2007), “Mission: Impossible III” (2006), “Boogie Nights” (1997) and “Capote,” for which Hoffman received the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in 2006. In total, Hoffman received 54 nominations and 73 awards from various associations throughout the entirety of his career.
Recently, Hoffman was filming for his role as Plutarch Heavensbee in the final films of The Hunger Games series, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” parts one and two, after appearing in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” According to the Wall Street Journal, much of Hoffman’s filming had already been completed by the time of his death, meaning that the films will only require moderate changes to accomodate for his absence.
In a statment released to the press by Hoffman’s manager, his family had this to say of the actor’s death: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone.” Hoffman’s supporters to mourn the loss of this great actor, and Hoffman’s legacy will surely live on in the industry for years to come.
