By: HISTORY.com Editors
Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman dies of drug overdose at age 46
On February 2, 2014, Philip Seymour Hoffman, considered one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, dies of a drug overdose at age 46 in New York City. During his career, the prolific performer appeared in more than 50 movies, including Capote, Doubt and The Hunger Games series, and earned a reputation for playing difficult or quirky characters. Hoffman also was an accomplished stage actor and director.
He won an Academy Award in the best actor category for his portrayal of author Truman Capote in Capote (2005), and received Oscar nominations for best supporting actor for his role as a CIA agent in Charlie Wilson’s War (2007) and for his performance as a priest in Doubt (2008). Other film credits include Mission: Impossible III (2006), Moneyball (2011) and The Hunger Games series. Hoffman garnered a third best supporting actor Oscar nomination for his role as a cult leader in The Master (2012).
Hoffman also was an acclaimed stage actor and director, who helped co-found a theater company, LAByrinth, and earned Tony Award nominations for his performances in “True West” (2000), “Long Day’s Journey into Night” (2003) and “Death of a Salesman” (2012), in which he starred as Willy Loman.
On February 2, 2014, Hoffman, who had struggled with drug addiction in his early 20s but was sober for many years before relapsing in 2012, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment. The medical examiner later ruled that the father of three had died from acute mixed drug intoxication.
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Citation Information
- Article Title
- Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman dies of drug overdose at age 46
- Author
- HISTORY.com Editors
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- October 21, 2026
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- May 27, 2025
- Original Published Date
- July 14, 2014
