Philip Seymour Hoffman Dead

Actor found dead in his Manhattan apartment
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 2, 2014 12:33 PM CST
Updated Feb 2, 2014 2:19 PM CST
Philip Seymour Hoffman Dead
In this Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014 file photo, cast member Philip Seymour Hoffman poses at the premiere of the film "A Most Wanted Man" during the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.   (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP, File)

Philip Seymour Hoffman, the staggeringly talented actor who won a 2005 Academy Award for his portrayal of Truman Capote, was found dead this morning in his Manhattan apartment at the age of 46, reports the Wall Street Journal. Though the medical examiner's office has yet to release a cause of death, a heroin overdose is suspected. He was found in his bathroom by screenwriter David Katz, who, unable to get in touch with Hoffman, went to the West Village apartment. The New York Post goes further, reporting he was found with a needle still in his arm.

Police officials tell the Journal a hypodermic needle and two envelopes possibly containing heroin were recovered from the apartment. Hoffman had undergone a stint in rehab last May for snorting heroin. Hoffman had most recently starred in A Most Wanted Man, and leaves behind three children he had with longtime girlfriend Mimi O’Donnell. The New York Daily News has this statement from the family: "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." (More Philip Seymour Hoffman stories.)

Get breaking news in your inbox.
What you need to know, as soon as we know it.
Sign up
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X