One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Update: Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman dies of apparent overdose at 46
American actor Philip Seymour Hoffman.
(
Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: American film actor Philip Seymour Hoffman looks on as the Oklahoma City Thunder play the New York Knicks during an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2013 in New York City. The Thunder defeated the Knicks 123-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
(
Rich Schultz/Getty Images
)
VENICE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 08: Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman wins the Coppa Volpi award for best actor for the film The Master on stage during the Award Ceremony at the 69th Venice Film Festival at the Palazzo del Cinema on September 8, 2012 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
(
Ian Gavan/Getty Images
)
(
Vince Bucci/Getty Images
)
Philip Seymour Hoffman, the prolific film and theater actor who starred in a number of successful Hollywood films, has died.
New York police reported that Hoffman was found dead at his West Manhattan apartment Sunday.
Lt John Grimpel of the NYPD initially confirmed that Hoffman had died and that the department is investigating the circumstances of his death. NYPD sources later confirmed to KPCC that the actor died of an apparent drug overdose and that he was found with a needle in his arm.
Police responded to a 911 call at 11:36 a.m. ET Sunday to 35 Bethune Street, where they found an unconscious and unresponsive Hoffman on bathroom floor, New York police said.. He was pronounced dead on the scene by Emergency Medical Services personnel.
Hoffman had been treated for drug addiction in the past, entering himself in a East Coast substance abuse center in early May 2013.
Hoffman won an Academy Award in 2005 for Best Actor for his portrayal of Truman Capote in the film "Capote." He also played the critical role of game-maker Plutarch Heavensbee in the wildly successful "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" film, a role he was supposed to reprise in the next two sequels.
Variety reports that Hoffman had also been slated to star in Showtime's new series "Happyish," which was to begin production later this year:
Sponsored message
Hoffman was to have played a 40-something man frustrated by feeling out of touch in his work surroundings with younger colleagues.
Showtime gave the project a 10-episode order last month for a planned premiere later this year.
"I spent a lot of time just understanding what was driving him to do what he did. What was the thing at the end of the day that made him behave the way he behaved? And if I could understand those questions honestly enough, and personalize them specifically enough, somehow I was able to have the confidence to act his life."
You can hear the full interview here:
Hoffman's family released a statement Sunday thanking fans and friends for their support, and asking for privacy:
“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.”
Sponsored message
Hoffman had roles in a number of other films including in "Scent of a Woman" (1992), "Twister" (1996), "Boogie Nights" (1997), "The Big Lebowski" (1998), "Magnolia" (1999), "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1999), and "Cold Mountain" (2003), among others.
He was also an accomplished stage actor, and was nominated for several Tony awards for his performances in" True West," "Death of a Salesman" and "Long Day's Journey into Night" (2003). NPR featured an interview with Hoffman on his role as Willy Loman in the play.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
