Portal:Theatre/Selected biography/6

Philip Seymour Hoffman in 2011

Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967–2014) was an American actor, director, and producer of film and theater. He was an accomplished theater actor and director. His performances in three Broadway plays – True West, Long Day's Journey into Night, and Death of a Salesman – led to Tony Award nominations. He was also nominated for five Drama Desk Awards and two Lucille Lortel Awards for his work in Off-Broadway theatre. Best known for his character roles – typically lowlifes, bullies, and misfits – Hoffman gained recognition for his supporting work in films like Boogie Nights (1997), Happiness (1998), and The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999). For his portrayal of the author Truman Capote in the film Capote (2005), he won multiple accolades including the Academy Award for Best Actor. Three more Oscar nominations came for his performances in Charlie Wilson's War (2007), Doubt (2008), and The Master (2012). Hoffman also appeared in Hollywood blockbusters, such as Mission: Impossible III (2006) and The Hunger Games (2013–2015). Hoffman died in February 2014, of combined drug intoxication, at age 46. He is remembered for his fearlessness in playing reprehensible characters, and for bringing depth and humanity to such roles.