3 Feb – One of the most brilliant and versatile of actors of modern film, Philip Seymour Hoffman passes away at the age of 46. The actor was reportedly discovered dead today in his New York apartment bathroom, with a syringe sticking out of his arm. Authorities believe he overdosed on heroin. In a statement, Hoffman's family said they were "devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone," adding, "This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving."
The family asked Hoffman's supporters to "keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers". The actor has a history of treatment for drug abuse, including heroin. In May, Hoffman told the press that he'd entered treatment in a detox facility following about a year of escalating drug use, after giving up the habit decades ago. "This is a wonderful, versatile, talented actor with an unlimited future in front of him, but obviously somebody who had his demons," film critic Leonard Maltin told CBS New York. "He's one of the great actors of our generation, of his generation, and one of the reasons is his versatility."
Hoffman often played comic, slightly 'off balanced' characters in movies like "Along Came Polly," ''The Big Lebowski" and "Almost Famous". In "The Master," he was nominated for the 2013 Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role as the charismatic leader of a religious movement. In "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire", he played Plutarch Heavensbee and was reprising that role in the two-part sequel, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay", which is in the works. Hoffman is survived by his partner of 15 years, Mimi O'Donnell, and their three children.