February 2 In History: Oscar Winner Philip Hoffman Dies Under Suspicion Of Overdose

Philip Hoffman dalam film Most Wanted Man (Sumber: IMDB)

JAKARTA - On February 2, 2014, Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman was found lifeless in his Bethune Street apartment, West Village neighborhood in Manhattan, New York. Hoffman died at the age of 46. His death is thought to be due to a drug overdose.

Hoffman's body was found by his friend in the bathroom at around 11:15 a.m. local time. In a statement quoted by The Guardian, at that time the Hoffman family said, "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. We ask that you respect our privacy during this grieving time. Please remember Phil in your thoughts and prayers."

A law enforcement source said the New York Police Department (NYPD) checked Hoffman's dead on arrival (DOA) statement and a possible drug overdose. A New York police investigation, conducted with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, determined the exact cause of death.

A small group of people stood behind a police barricade just down a street in Manhattan's West Village on the day of Hoffman's death. "He's one of those people you associate with New York compared to California ... He's a real actor. Not Hollywood-style and not cocky," said Aaron Kinney, who lives in Manhattan and has traveled to the area to pay his respects.

Hoffman, originally from Fairport, New York, is one of the most beloved actors of the United States (US). In 2006, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as the lead in Capote, a film based on the life of novelist Truman Capote.

Dear Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Hoffman is survived by three children and his partner, Mimi O'Donnell. The wife is a designer with whom she has been in a long relationship. The news of the death of an actor who was admired, both in Hollywood and on Broadway, caused an outpouring of shock, sadness and respect.

"Tragic sadness for Philip Seymour Hoffman and he died too soon," said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Today New York mourns the loss of one of the greatest stage and screen actors."

Ellen DeGeneres, a famous talk show host, also expressed her sorrow. “Philip Seymour Hoffman is a brilliant and talented man. The news this morning was shocking and sad. My heart goes out to the person he loves. "

Hoffman's addiction

The exact circumstances of Hoffman's death are not known. He was last seen in public ten days before death.

At that time Hoffman attended the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. Hoffman, on that occasion, gave a number of interviews to journalists about his role in John Slattery's directorial debut, God's Pocket.

Hoffman admitted to suffering from drug and alcohol addiction problems after graduating from theater school in 1989. He has spoken about seeing himself in a rehabilitation clinic.

In a 2011 interview, Hoffman said his alcohol and drug problems were "terrible." He even expressed fear that his addiction might one day return.

"I know, deep down, I still see the idea of drinking (alcohol) with the same ferocity that I did back then. It's still quite real," he said, referring to his youth.

"I don't want to drink in moderation. Just because all the time passes doesn't mean it's just a phase."

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In 2013, there were reports that Hoffman was addicted again. He was then examined at a detox facility on the east coast after admitting to taking prescription pills and heroin.

It is known that Hoffman was last seen alive on the evening of Saturday 1 February, around 8pm. The friend who found Hoffman in his bathroom is believed to be a playwright and old colleague.

Various media reports quoted law enforcement officials as saying Hoffman was found with a needle in his arm and a substance believed to be heroin in the apartment. The report cannot be independently verified. But officials confirmed they believed Hoffman's death was drug-related.

Changes in the Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Hoffman joined in the second series, Hunger Games: Catching Fire. He plays the role of the revolutionary game maker Plutarch Heavensbee.

Many of Hoffman's scenes in the film have been completed. But the main emotional moment with Jennifer Lawrence's freedom fighter Katniss Everdeen has yet to be filmed.

Philip Hoffman at the Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Source: IMDB)

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This resulted in a final change to the script, which replaced face-to-face encounters with something quieter. While still alive, Hoffman gave director Francis Lawrence an idea of how the emotional scene should be done.

But Hoffman never had a chance to make it happen. Finally, Woody Harrelson's character reads his words in a letter written by Plutarch Heavensbee.

If the filmmakers decide to follow the book more closely, Hoffman will have a much bigger presence in the film's final scene, where key characters are saved thanks to Heavensbee.

Hoffman's death also led to changes to the shooting schedule. The players are given shorter working time to allow time for mourning. A number of small digital hoaxes were carried out, using existing actors to disguise Hoffman's absence.

"I regret to label this as his last film. Because obviously, there's not enough about him in it, "said Francis Lawrence." I want his role to be bigger. "

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