Hollywood star Philip Seymour Hoffman found dead
Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, loved and admired for his masterly performances in critically acclaimed films like ‘Capote’, ‘The Master’ and ‘Moneyball’, was found dead in his Greenwich Village apartment of an apparent drug overdose. He was 46.
The actor was found dead in the apartment by a friend who had become concerned after being unable to reach him. The Emergency Medical Service workers, who reached his fourth-floor apartment following an emergency call by the friend, declared him dead on the scene on February 2.
Investigators found a syringe in his arm and an envelope nearby containing what appeared to be heroin. The family and friends of the actor expressed shock and sadness over his sudden demise, the New York Times reported. “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,” Hoffman’s family said in a statement.
Hoffman had been struggling with drug addiction problem. Last year, he even checked into a rehabilitation programme for about 10 days after his dependence on prescription pills resulted in his briefly returning to heroin.
Hoffman is survived by three young children, a son and two daughters, with his partner, Mimi O’ Donnell, a costume designer. The plastic envelopes near Hoffman’s body were stamped with two drug brands. One read Ace of Spades in purple lettering and the other had a red icon of the ace of hearts, according to a law enforcement official.
Narcotics detectives from the New York Police Department were investigating the death. Hoffman was last seen alive at 8 pm on Saturday. He was expected to pick up his children on Sunday but failed to show up, prompting playwright David Katz and another friend to go to his apartment, where they found him dead, CNN said citing a law enforcement official.
Hollywood stars expressed shocked over the sudden passing away of the actor. “Just hearing about Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Devastating. What an amazingly gifted actor. RIP,” tweeted Justin Timberlake. Spike Lee, who directed Hoffman in the 2002 film ’25th Hour’, shared a still from the movie. “We lost one of the greats today. Philip Seymour Hoffman RIP my friend. You will be missed always and forever,” Aaron Paul wrote.
Hoffman was born in New York in 1967. Known for favouring tough roles in independent films, the actor has many great performances to his credit including his acting as author Truman Capote in 2005 film ‘Capote’ that garnered him the best actor Oscar.
His other prominent roles include ‘Scent of a Woman’, ‘Almost Famous’, ’25th Hour’, ‘Owning Mahowny’, ‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead’, ‘The Savages’, ‘Moneyball’ and ‘The Ides of March’.
Hoffman made his feature film directorial debut with ‘Jack Goes Boating’ in 2010 and was all set to direct his second film ‘Ezekiel Moss’. Actors Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal had recently joined the film. His role as chief Gamesmaker Plutarch Heavensbee in the final two ‘Hunger Games’ films is also incomplete.
Hoffman’s death from an apparent drug overdose brought the memories of another death, the passing away of Australian actor Heath Ledger in 2008 from a drug overdose in New York. Ledger was just 29 when he died. (PTI)