Words: Violet
Philip Seymour Hoffman in Capote
Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died on Sunday aged 46, was an American actor and director known for his rotund physique, messy blond hair and electrifying screen presence. His death on Sunday 2nd has come as great shock to the acting fraternity and it has since become apparent that Hoffman was a substance abuser and a heroin overdose has been cited as the cause of his death.
Hoffman was born on July 23rd 1967 in rural New York State, to a prosperous, middle class family. He developed an interest in acting at high school and gained a place to attend the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts in New York, graduating in 1989. After various jobbing roles in television and cinema, Hoffman got his big break when he was cast in a supporting role in the 1992 film Sent of a Woman which starred Al Pacino.
Throughout the 90’s Hoffman was cast in some of the most iconic films of the decade including Boogie Nights and The Big Lebowski. The former was perhaps the first film to properly examine the pornography industry whilst The Big Lebowski, directed by the Coen brothers, has since been looked upon as the seminal ‘slacker’ classic. By 2000 he had become a very recognisable screen presence and invitations to appear in blockbusters followed: he played an investigative journalist in the sequel to Silence of the Lambs; Red Dragon and a pious – but philandering – minister in the 2003 American Civil War epic Cold Mountain.
It seemed that Hoffman was destined to just play the role of the supporting actor until he was invited to play Truman Capote in 2005’s Capote. Hoffman’s portrayal of the great American author won him international plaudits and he cemented his legacy as one of the most gifted actors of his generation by winning the Academy Award for best actor.
What set Hoffman aside from other American acting stars (apart from his lack of movie star features) was his willingness to return to the stage throughout his ascent to Hollywood stardom. He loved being on stage and unlike many other top actors did not feel the need to confine himself to Broadway, often appearing in very small and niche productions. It was with the stage that Hoffman cultivated an interest in directing and after directing several lauded plays he directed his first film: Jack Goes Boating, an indie RomCom.
Hoffman leaves behind his long-term partner Mimi O’Donnell and their three children, his mother and three siblings. Prior to his death Hoffman had been working on a number of films including the third and forth installments of The Hunger Games quadrilogy. In total Hoffman has four upcoming films that are to be released during 2014 and 2015 and we’re fortunately able to enjoy his offerings for a little while longer.
By Guy de Vito
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
