Philip Seymour Hoffman Found Dead

Philip Seymour Hoffman, the Oscar-winning star of Capote and one of the most acclaimed actors of screen and stage, has died at age 46.

Hoffman, whose body was found lying on the bathroom floor of his New York City apartment shortly after 11:30 a.m. Sunday, died of an apparent drug overdose, a law enforcement official confirms to PEOPLE.

A police source confirms Hoffman had a syringe in his arm and that two clear envelopes of what appeared to be heroin were found nearby. Eight empty envelopes also were discovered, the source says.

The actor entered rehab last May for snorting heroin. He told TMZ he relapsed in 2012 after staying clean for 23 years, explaining that he first fell off the wagon by abusing prescription drugs before moving on to snorting heroin.

“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,” his family said in a statement. “Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.”

George Clooney, who directed and costarred with Hoffman in The Ides of March, said, “There are no words. It’s just terrible.”

Tom Hanks, who starred with Hoffman in Charlie Wilson’s War, said, “This is a horrible day for those who worked with Philip. He was a giant talent. Our hearts are open for his family.”

Hoffman earned praise throughout his 23-year career for his powerful portrayals of quirky, sometimes ruthless characters in films including Boogie Nights, Almost Famous and Magnolia.

His title role in the 2005 film Capote, as author Truman Capote, earned him a Best Actor Oscar. He received three additional Oscar nominations in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in films The Master, Doubt and Charlie Wilson’s War.

An accomplished actor on stage as well as screen, he earned three Tony nominations: as best actor (play) in 2000 and 2012 for his roles in revivals of True West and Death of a Salesman and as best actor, featured role (play) in 2003 for Long Day’s Journey into Night. He also directed several stage productions.

The Fairport, N.Y., native is survived by his longtime partner, Mimi O’Donnell, and their three children: daughters Tallulah, 7, and Willa, 5, and son Cooper, 10.

In 2007, the actor called fatherhood “a revelation” and proudly recounted when he saw then-baby daughter Tallulah stand up for the first time.

“It’s hard for anybody who works a lot and has children,” he told PEOPLE at the time.

“But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. When you become a parent, you look at your parents differently. You look at being a child differently. It’s an awakening, a revelation that you have.”

People Magazine