Philip Seymour Hoffman dead at 46

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Oscar-winning actor found dead following an “apparent drug overdose”.

US actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead in his apartment in New York. He was 46.

New York Police attended his apartment in the West Village area of Manhattan at 11.15am EST (4.15pm GMT) and have said his death was due to an “apparent drug overdose” and are investigating.

The office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the exact cause of death.

TRIBUTES: Actors, directors pay tribute on Twitter

Hoffman came to promience in the 1990s in films such as Boogie Nights, The Big Lebowski, Magnolia and The Talented Mr Ripley.

Alongside more independent features, he also brought weight to more commercial fare such as Mission: Impossible III.

Hoffman won an Oscar in 2005 for his leading role in biopic Capote.

He was most recently seen in sequel The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and was will be seen in a further two sequels, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 & 2, due for release on November 21 this year and November 20, 2015. Those dates remain unaffected.

Lionsgate, the studio behind franchise, released a statement that said: “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.”

He had just seven more days of filming remaining on Part 2, according to reports.

Hoffman was also at Sundance last month in support of God’s Pocket, the feature directorial debut of Mad Men actor John Slattery; and A Most Wanted Man, directed by Anton Corbijn.

In a statement, Corbijn said: “Hearing that Philip Seymour Hoffman passed away came as much as a shock to me as to anyone else I’d imagine. We spent some time together only two weeks ago and he seemed in a good place despite some issues he had to deal with.

“He was not only the most gifted actor I ever worked with (and judging by the legacy he leaves behind I am certain I share this with most if not all directors who were fortunate enough to work with him), he had also become an incredibly inspiring and supportive friend.

“I am so terribly sad as I find it impossible to comprehend what happened today and to collect my thoughts properly. I have to think about Mimi and the children and I wish them much strength coping with the loss of this truly great man as a father and partner.” Roadside Attractions holds US rights.

He was preparing to directorial his second feature Ezekiel Moss with Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams lined up to star.

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

He had checked in rehab in May for heroin abuse, according to reports from PA.

Hoffman leaves long-term partner Mimi O’Donnell and three young children.