Hollywood Mourns Philip Seymour Hoffman
You aren't the only one shocked and filled with sadness about the sudden death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman Sunday at age 46.
Actors and filmmakers – whether they'd worked with the Oscar winner or not – took to Twitter and beyond to share their sorrow and honor the star. Many declare him one of the best actors of his generation and even more open up about what an inspiration his career has been to them.
Spike Lee, who directed Hoffman in "25th Hour," told "The Insider With Yahoo," "[It's a] great, great loss. I'm thinking about his three young kids. I spoke to [co-stars] Edward Norton today, Barry Pepper, and Rosario [Dawson], and we're all just crushed."
"He really emerged on the scene in 'Boogie Nights,'" Kevin Costner told "The Insider With Yahoo." "He was a giant talent, and I chased him for some parts to play for me. He was just special. He was like a Rod Steiger he was a great actor and then you wake up and you're gone."
George Clooney, who directed and starred with Hoffman in 2011's "The Ides of March," kept his statement brief, but sincere. "There are no words," he said. "It's just terrible."
Dear Philip, a beautiful beautiful soul. For the most sensitive among us the noise can be too much. Bless your heart. ;^{
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) February 2, 2014
Gwyneth Paltrow, who starred opposite Hoffman in "The Talented Mr. Ripley," shared the following image on Instagram along with this caption: "Ischia 1998, post dinner, post shooting...Philip was a true genius. #philipseymourhoffman."
I had the privilege of being in Magnolia & Hoffmans performance in that movie was stunning. Gave Tom Cruise a run for his money IMHO. #RIP
— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) February 2, 2014
[Related: 'Hunger Games' Release Dates Won't Be Affected by Philip Seymour Hoffman Loss]
Shocked to hear of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death. If you missed him as Willy Loman, you missed a Willy Loman for all time.(RT w/correction)
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) February 2, 2014
PSH - I am genuinely shocked, saddened and speechless. A truly wonderful man, with a magical touch. My hero. Thoughts are with his family.
— Sam Claflin (@samclaflin) February 2, 2014
Claflin wasn't the only one from "The Hunger Games" franchise to share a comment. The following statement was released on behalf of "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay" director Frances Lawrence, author Suzanne Collins, producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik, and Jennifer Lawrence: "Words cannot convey the devastating loss we are all feeling right now. Philip was a wonderful person and an exceptional talent, and our hearts are breaking. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family."
What a huge loss. A brilliant actor and a warm, generous, humble person. Phil Hoffman.
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) February 2, 2014
I am sad on so many levels about the loss of Philip Seymour Hoffman. One of the greats. Losing him this way is absolutely tragic.
— Evan Rachel Wood (@evanrachelwood) February 2, 2014
Post by Jeff Bridges.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman worked & lived with truth above all. I will desperately miss his talent. pic.twitter.com/gL5rFnK17U
— Sean Astin (@SeanAstin) February 2, 2014
Cant believe the news about Phil Hoffman. One of the most charming, understated and generous men i've worked with. And my favourite actor.
— chris o'dowd (@BigBoyler) February 2, 2014
Robert De Niro, who shared the screen with Hoffman in "Flawless," had this to say about the fallen star: "I'm very, very saddened by the passing of Phil. He was a wonderful actor. This is one of those times where you say, 'This just shouldn't be. He was so young and gifted and had so much going, so much to live for.' My family and I send our deepest condolences to his family."
We lost one of the greats today. Philip Seymour Hoffman RIP my friend. You will be missed always and forever.
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) February 2, 2014
The "Breaking Bad" actor went into further detail about what the Hoffman meant to him on Instagram, writing alongside a photo of the star, "Philip Seymour Hoffman dies at age 46. He will be remembered as one of the finest actors of all time. I got into this business because I was inspired by this man. Looked up to him on so many different levels. You will be missed always and forever. R.I.P. my friend."
I have just heard about Phillip Seymour Hoffman, one of natures Gentlemen . Rest in peace . Love and respect.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) February 2, 2014
Philip Seymour Hoffman. This is so unbearably sad.
— Tom Hiddleston (@twhiddleston) February 2, 2014
Philip Seymour Hoffman. Unbearably, shockingly, deeply sad. Words fail to describe his life and our loss.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) February 2, 2014
A giant talent touched by fire. Philip Seymour Hoffman.
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) February 2, 2014
Just hearing about Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Devastating. What an amazingly gifted actor. RIP
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) February 2, 2014
Love and prayers for Philip Seymour Hoffmans family. Addiction kills, I hope all who need it have access to abstinence based recovery.
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) February 2, 2014
It is always sad to lose someone, esp too soon. Addiction is a heartbreaking disease. My thoughts and prayers to his Family. #ripPSH
— Sarah Michelle (@RealSMG) February 2, 2014
Beautiful beautiful man. We have lost so much joy to something so joyless. RIP PSH.
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) February 2, 2014
Goodness. I never met Philip Seymour Hoffman but he sure was one of the greats. Condolences to his loved ones and all who admired his art.
— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) February 2, 2014
Oh no no no. Not PSH. We needed so much more from him. What a talent. RIP.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) February 2, 2014
OH NO!!!!! Philip Seymour Hoffman has died. A truly kind, wonderful man and one of our greatest actors - ever
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) February 2, 2014
Wow. Philip Seymour Hoffman, My heart hurts to lose him. SUCH a talented man. Truly, One of a kind. He will be so very missed. RIP
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) February 2, 2014
Nooo! So sad about Philip Seymour Hoffman. One of those actors we all idolized. Genius character leading man. Heart goes out to his family.
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) February 2, 2014
Oh man. So beyond sad to her about Philip Seymour Hoffman. Rest in peace.
— Busy Philipps (@Busyphilipps25) February 2, 2014
R.I.P. Phillip Seymour Hoffman. One of our generations finest actors. Too sad. Gonna go watch synecdoche, ny again.
— Rob Thomas (@ThisIsRobThomas) February 2, 2014
Demi Lovato wrote the following expanded tweet: "I wish more people would lose the stigma and treat addiction as the deadly and serious DISEASE that it is. Drugs are not something to glamorize in pop music or film to portray as harmless recreational fun. It's not cute, "cool" or admire able. It's very rare when people can actually predict their addiction and even then, you never know when too much is going to take their life or take a bad batch of whatever it is their using. It's time people start really taking action on changing what we're actually singing/rapping about these days because you never know if you could be glamorizing a certain drug to a first time user or alcoholic who could possibly end up dead because they end up suffering from the same deadly disease so many have already died from. This stuff is not something to mess with. Why risk it? Addiction IS a disease. Please spread the word so we can take the taboo out of discussing this illness and raising awareness to people of all ages. RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman.. An INCREDIBLE artist who lost his life to this horrible disease.. May you rest peacefully and in complete serenity now that your pain is gone. God Bless..."
Philip Seymour Hoffman was a brilliant, talented man. The news this morning is shocking and sad. My heart goes out to his loved ones.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 2, 2014
Rest in peace Philip Seymour Hoffman. You were one of the best. Youre gone way too soon. #RIPPhilipSeymourHoffman
— Joel McHale (@joelmchale) February 2, 2014