Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman Dies at 46

Philip Seymour Hoffman, the Oscar-winning actor who played everything from a maverick CIA agent to a drag queen to a Catholic priest, has died. He was 46.

Hoffman was found in his Manhattan apartment at 35 Bethune St. in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan this morning, according to the New York Police Department, which is investigating.

Police are still on the scene in the West Village and are investigating. Sources tell NY1 that the cause of death was an apparent drug overdose.

Investigators say Hoffman was found alone and there were no obvious signs of trauma.

Hoffman’s family released a statement to say they are devastated.

“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,” reads the statement.

Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted a statement as well.

“Saddened by Philip Seymour Hoffman’s tragic and untimely passing. Today New York mourns the loss of one of stage and screen’s greats,” reads the mayor’s tweet.

Hoffman gained recognition as a character actor, appearing in such films as “The Big Lebowski,” “Almost Famous,” “Magnolia” and “Twister.”

Mr. Hoffman, 46, won the Academy Award for Best Actor for the 2005 film “Capote.” He was nominated three more times.

He also appeared in the last “Hunger Games” movie.

Agencies/Canadajournal