Capote star Hoffman dead ‘with needle in arm’

The 46-year-old, who had previously spoken of his struggles against drugs, was found dead in his bathroom yesterday by police, reportedly with a needle still in his arm.

Officers were called to the apartment in the West Village area of Manhattan by a friend of the actor, a police spokesman said. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will investigate the exact cause of death.

Hoffman had reportedly been clean of drugs for 23 years before a relapse last year when he began using heroin, prompting him to seek treatment.

“I went to rehab, I got sober when I was 22 years old,” he said in a 2006 interview. “You get panicked... and I got panicked for my life.”

Last night, tributes quickly poured in for the actor, who has long been regarded as having of the finest talents of his generation and was as beloved by those within the industry as he was by critics and audiences.

Multi-award winning Hoffman cemented his place in Hollywood’s A-list with virtuoso performances, including in cult classics Boogie Nights and The Big Lebowski, and more recently Cold Mountain and Charlie Wilson’s War.

He won the best actor Oscar – and a legion of fans – for his 2005 role in the film Capote, in which he played the title character, writer Truman, and was nominated a further three times, including last year for his role in The Master. But he also featured in independent films and was considered a masterful theatre performer and director.

Actress Mia Farrow wrote on Twitter: “OH NO!!!!! Philip Seymour Hoffman has died. A truly kind, wonderful man and one of our greatest actors - ever.”

John Hurt, who starred with Seymour Hoffman in the 2003 film Owning Mahowny, was among the stars left shocked by the news on the red carpet at last night’s London Critics’ Circle Film Awards in central London.

“It’s a devastating loss. His contribution was massive,” he said.

Steve Coogan said: “He did some tremendous work. Everything he was in he raised the quality of his film just by his presence.

“People have different opinions about actors but you wouldn’t find anybody who would have a bad word to say about any of his performances. They were all incredibly nuanced.”

Comedian and actor Ricky Gervais was among one of the first to comment, posting on Twitter: “Such shocking & sad news. RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman. One of the greatest actors of a generation and a sweet, funny & humble man.”

The news of his death came after claims his representatives had denied a death hoax spread earlier in the week.

The actor leaves behind his long-standing partner and costume designer Mimi O’Donnell and their two daughters and son.

His family said in a statement: “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.”