Charlaine Harris

Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014) was an American actor and director. He is best remembered for his Academy Award-winning performance in the film *Capote*. Born in Fairport, New York in 1967, he was the son of Gordon Hoffman, a Xerox salesman who traveled frequently for work, and Marilyn Hoffman, a stay-at-home mother dedicated to their four children: Jill, Gordy, Philip, and Emily. His parents divorced when he was nine. Hoffman had an interest in acting from his high school years. In 1989, he graduated from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. After graduation, he faced a difficult period, entering rehabilitation at age 22 to overcome alcohol and drug addiction. After recovering from his addiction, Hoffman dedicated himself to acting. He first performed on stages in New York and Chicago. His first major film role was as George Willis Jr. in *Scent of a Woman*. He landed significant roles in films such as *The Big Lebowski* and *Magnolia*. Supporting roles in *25th Hour* and *Red Dragon* further solidified his presence in the eyes of cinema audiences. His greatest success came with the 2005 film *Capote*, where his portrayal of Truman Capote earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, along with numerous accolades including a BAFTA and Golden Globe. This proved his talent not just as a character actor but also as a capable leading man. He received multiple award nominations for his roles in *Charlie Wilson's War* (2007) and *Doubt* (2008). His performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's 2012 film *The Master* garnered him Oscar and Golden Globe nominations again. He most recently portrayed Plutarch Heavensbee in *The Hunger Games: Catching Fire* and was preparing to reprise the role in *Mockingjay Part 1*. However, he was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on February 2, 2014. His body was found by friends with a syringe in his arm. An autopsy revealed his death was caused by an overdose of cocaine, heroin, and other drugs. It was determined that his death was accidental, not a suicide. His funeral was held on February 7. Hoffman had three children—two daughters and a son—with costume designer Mimi O'Donnell, whom he had been with since 1999. However, it was reported that he and O'Donnell had separated months before his death, and that he was going through a difficult time.