Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman dies

The film and theatre world is mourning the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman at his home in New York. He was 46.

His body was found after a friend called emergency services. Police say he apparently died of a drug overdose.

Many fellow actors have been paying tribute to him.

Hoffmann made his name in the 1990s in films including Boogie Nights and the Big Lebowski, before winning the best actor Oscar for his 2005 portrayal of writer Truman Capote.


'Extraordinary talent'

Kevin Costner and John Hurt are among those who have paid tribute
Throughout his career Hoffman featured in independent films as well as Hollywood blockbusters such as Mission Impossible III.

His latest role was in the Hunger Games series of films.

Hoffman's family called his death "tragic and sudden".

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone," they said in a statement on Sunday.

British actor John Hurt, who starred alongside Hoffman in the 2003 drama Owning Mahowny, said the news had hit him "very hard".

"He was a great actor, a great member of the film and theatre community. An extraordinary talent, directorially as well as an actor. He'll be greatly missed," he said,
Flowers and candles are laid at a memorial for actor Philip Seymour Hoffman

A memorial for Hoffman was placed outside a restaurant in Manhattan
A man mourns in front of flowers placed in memory of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman

Flowers were also left outside the apartment building where Hoffman died
Hoffman at the Venice Film Festival in 2012

Hoffman had spoken of receiving treatment for drug abuse
Battle with addiction
Hollywood stars have also paid tribute.
Tributes for Philip Seymour Hoffman
Tom Hanks said: "This is a horrible day for those who worked ‎with Philip. He was a giant talent. Our hearts are open for his family."

"Dear Philip, a beautiful beautiful soul," tweeted actor Jim Carrey.

"For the most sensitive among us the noise can be too much. Bless your heart."

As well as films, he also starred in Broadway plays and was nominated for two Tony Awards.

Philip Seymour Hoffman as Tuman Capote
Hoffman won an Oscar for best actor with his portrayal of writer Truman Capote

 Philip Seymour Hoffman, alongside Joaquin Phoenix, in The Master
He also received three Academy Award nominations as best supporting actor, including here for The Master
Philip Seymour Hoffman and Eddie Marsan, in a scene from the film, God's Pocket

One of his latest films, God's Pocket, was shown at this year's Sundance film festival last month
The actor was found dead in the bathroom of his Manhattan apartment shortly before 11:30 local time (16:30 GMT) on Sunday, police say.

Last year, Hoffman said that he had sought treatment for drug abuse.

He told the website he had used prescription drugs, and briefly heroin, before seeking help.

Hoffman has over 60 film credits to his name, including Magnolia and The Master with director Paul Thomas Anderson, for which he was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar.

He made his debut as a film director in 2010 with the New York-set Jack Goes Boating, in which he also starred.

British film critic Jason Solomons said he "lit up the screen".

"He'd take the weirdest parts and give them a human element. He was a fantastic director as well and showed a real touch with actors," he said.