Tragedy Strikes: The Devastating Loss of Philip Seymour Hoffman
Emily Theytaz ’17 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
When Hoffman hadn’t answered calls and missed a scheduled appointment, his concerned friend David Bar Katz – a screenwriter and director – went to his apartment and found Hoffman on the bathroom floor with a hypothermic needle in his arm and a plastic envelope of heroin near him. Investigators confirmed that five other empty envelopes were also found in a trashcan nearby.
In a 2006 interview, Hoffman discussed his struggle, after having given up drugs and alcohol at age 22. After 24 years of being clean, he entered a rehab facility in May 2013 for a reported heroin and prescription pill addiction.
Hoffman won an Academy Award in 2006 for his portrayal of author Truman Capote in Capote. Following that win, he was nominated three more times for his roles in The Master, Doubt, and Charlie Wilson’s War.
He has also received critical acclaim for his work on stage. He was nominated for three Tony awards, his most recent nomination was in 2012 for his depiction of Willy Loman in the Broadway revival of Death Of A Salesman.
At the time of his death, Hoffman was in the middle of filming the popular franchise The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2. Director of the series Francis Lawrence released a joint statement along with the franchise’s star, Jennifer Lawrence, and producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik, saying, “…words cannot convey the devastating loss we are all feeling right now. Philip was a wonderful person and an exceptional talent, and our hearts are breaking. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”
Hoffman finished filming his role in Part 1 and only had seven days left of filming on Part 2, his sudden passing will not affect the release date of the films, but there is no word yet on how the production will move forward.
Hollywood Reacts to Hoffman’s Sudden Passing:
I'm so shocked, and so sad hearing of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death. I enjoyed playing with him on the Big… http://t.co/sW2EPKkawk
— Jeff Bridges (@TheJeffBridges) February 2, 2014
Very sad news today on Philip Seymour Hoffman. I met him at Sundance and told him what a fan I was. One of the all time greats. So sad
— Miles Teller (@Miles_Teller) February 2, 2014
My heart is broken, my mind is racing. My idol has died and I am so confused and sad by this tragic loss. RIP #philipseymourhoffman
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) February 2, 2014
https://twitter.com/DouglasBooth/status/430374999149387776
My thoughts and prayers are with Philip Seymour Hoffman's family. We are all lucky to have witnessed his gift.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 2, 2014
Rest in peace Philip Seymour Hoffman, one of our most brilliant, notoriously kind actors. Our hearts break for your family. Way too soon.
— Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford) February 2, 2014
RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman. Thank you for gifting us with your amazing talent.
— Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) February 2, 2014
https://twitter.com/JamesFrancoTV/status/430088304403705857
Wow. Philip Seymour Hoffman, My heart hurts to lose him. SUCH a talented man. Truly, One of a kind. He will be so very missed. RIP
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) February 2, 2014
Rest in Peace Philip Seymour Hoffman…a huge loss for everyone.
— Dylan McDermott (@DylanMcDermott) February 2, 2014
Philip Seymour Hoffman. Characters drawn with such specificity & balance, light & dark. A master at showing how people wear their defences
— Melanie Lynskey (@melanielynskey) February 2, 2014
Tragic day. Thoughts and prayers with loved ones of the incomparable #PhilipSeymourHoffman
— Taylor Schilling (@TaySchilling) February 2, 2014
My heart goes out to Philip Seymour Hoffman, his family and friends. Such a sad end to such a talented man. I'm thankful for his art. RIP
— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) February 2, 2014
PSH – I am genuinely shocked, saddened and speechless. A truly wonderful man, with a magical touch. My hero. Thoughts are with his family.
— Sam Claflin (@samclaflin) February 2, 2014