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Philip Seymour Hoffman dead at 46

Philip Seymour Hoffman dead at 46

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Philip Seymour Hoffman
Philip Seymour Hoffman

The Wall Street Journal reports that renowned actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was today found dead in his New York City apartment. Although neither the NYPD nor the coroner's office has publicly given a reason for the 46-year-old actor's death, The New York Times cites an anonymous officer as stating it was drug-related.

Reports from the scene allege that Hoffman was found in his bathroom with a hypodermic needle in his arm, suggesting the actor's death was the result of an accidental overdose. Hoffman had already struggled with drug-related issues in recent years. TMZ reported last May that the actor had checked himself into rehab for prescription pill and heroin abuse after "falling off the wagon" in 2012.

Hoffman's career spanned a diverse range of roles

Hoffman's career spanned a diverse range of roles across a variety of media, from early work in Boogie Nights, The Big Lebowski, and Magnolia, to his Oscar-winning performance in Capote. The actor gained many accolades for his work, including Academy Award nominations for Doubt and The Master. The actor also received three Tony Award nominations for his work onstage, including a Best Leading Actor nod for his 2012 turn as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman.

More recently, the actor was cast in the role of Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Hoffman was set to reprise his role in the final movies of the trilogy, Mockingjay; although filming on the first Mockingjay movie is said to be complete, it's unclear what will happen in the trilogy's future. Meanwhile, the long-term fate of Hoffman's comedy project Happyishwhich Showtime only picked earlier this month, is currently up in the air.

Hoffman is survived by his longtime partner Mimi O'Donnell and three children.

Update: Lionsgate now tells Variety that Hoffman had already completed the majority of his scenes for Mockingjay parts one and two. The actor only had a week left to film for the final movie, but it's unclear what the company will do to make up for the lost time. Lionsgate also issued an official statement honoring his memory:

"Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation. We’re very fortunate that he graced our Hunger Games family. Losing him in his prime is a tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Philip’s family."