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Tag: Philip Seymour Hoffman

  • Lindsay Lohan Sues Fox News Over Comments That She and Mother Dina Lohan Snorted Cocaine Together

    Lindsay Lohan and her mother, Dina Lohan, have sued Fox News Channel and Sean Hannity for defamation.

    The mother-daughter duo claim they were smeared on the network when Michelle Fields accused Lindsay Lohan and her mother of snorting cocaine together on Hannity’s show.

    According to documents obtained by TMZ, the Lohans note a discussion during Hannity’s show about celebrity drug use and recently deceased celebs, including Philip Seymour Hoffman, just days after his death in February 2013. The panel was contemplating which celebrity might die next.

    “Lindsay Lohan’s mom is doing cocaine with her,” said Fields, insinuating that Lindsay Lohan would be the next celebrity to succumb to a drug overdose.

    Lindsay Lohan says Fields’ comments are “malicious innuendo.”

    According to TMZ, Lohan has admitted to doing cocaine and also claimed her mom was on coke in a hysterical call she made to her dad in 2012.

    Attorneys claim the comments are “a direct smear on the character/reputation of Lindsay and Dina.”

    Meanwhile, Fox News has issued a statement in response.

    “We will defend this case to the fullest,” the network said. “The remark about which Lindsay and Dina Lohan complain was made on live television by a guest nearly a year ago. We removed the segment from our archives altogether last February and also apologized on-air. At that time, the Lohans did not make any demands for money, and we are surprised they are doing so now.”

  • Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Hometown Fans Remember Him A Year After His Death

    It’s been a year since actor Philip Seymour Hoffman passed away after overdosing from a cocktail of drugs and fans are still mourning the loss of a talented character actor.

    Hoffman’s hometown in Fairport, New York remembers the actor as a happy kid who was “really living and burning brightly and having fun.” Hoffman’s teachers in Fairport High School remember the actor as a curious student. When Hoffman starred in P.T. Anderson’s Punch Drunk Love back in 2002, the entire theater erupted to a rousing applause when their hometown actor appeared on the big screen.

    All over the world, fans are remembering the great actor who starred in films like Capote, The Hunger Games, Boogie Nights, and The Master. Caleb Slain, a fan of the actor spent almost 200 hours to produce an emotional tribute video that features some of Hoffman’s best work. From the actor’s bit part on Law and Order to his defining roles in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead and Charlie Wilson’s War, Slain wanted to show the dedication of the late actor to his craft. “Please take a breather and raise your glasses to one of our finest,” Slain wrote to describe the video.

    Meanwhile, in an opinion piece on The Huffington Post, Johann Hari, author of the book Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs used Hoffman’s death as an example to drive his point about the war on drugs. Hari argues that Hoffman could have been spared if drugs were decriminalized. He cited Portugal as an example; the country decriminalized all drugs and used the budget for busting users to provide help for recovering addicts. This act resulted in a decrease in drug activity and a huge dip in the number of deaths related to overdose.

    “Today, one hundred years into the drug war, we have a decision to make,” Hari wrote. “We can wait for the next death, and the next death, and the next after that — or we can decide to choose to let addicts live. It’s up to us.”

  • Philip Seymour Hoffman “Hunger Games” Role Can’t Be Faked

    Philip Seymour Hoffman passed away in February while in the middle of filming scenes for The Hunger Games:Mockingjay, but director Francis Lawrence says he couldn’t possibly imagine finishing the actor’s parts with CGI.

    Rumors began floating around the web earlier this year that Lawrence was going to do exactly that, but to take away from the performance by filling it in with computer graphics was unthinkable, he says.

    “He had two scenes with dialogue that were left and we decided we didn’t want to try any digital trickery with him, so we rewrote his scenes and gave the dialogue to other actors. I just think to try to fake a Philip Seymour Hoffman performance would have been catastrophic and I would never want to do that,” Lawrence said.

    After the actors took a break following Hoffman’s death, Lawrence decided to re-film a few scenes and split up the actor’s dialogue between some of the other characters. However, it’s not uncommon for a film or show to feature computer imagery after an actor’s death; The Crow was forced to do it after Brandon Lee was tragically killed on set, and The Sopranos had to maneuver around the passing of actress Nancy Marchand–who played Tony’s mother–just before her character was killed off.

    Actor Jeffrey Wright says he and the rest of the cast were devastated to learn of Hoffman’s death and praised him on his willingness to take on a role so fully.

    “There’s a big void in the acting circle that I inhabit that’s been left by his passing. He was, he was a singular. He occupied a very specific singular space, you know, among us actors, and he was so, he was so committed to these films and was so inspired by these books and by the themes behind the book,” he said.

  • Philip Seymour Hoffman Scenes in ‘Hunger Games: Mockingjay,’ No CGI

    When Philip Seymour Hoffman died in February, he had filmed all but two of his scenes for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay–Part 1 and Part 2. There was initially some speculation that the film makers might use CGI (computer generated imagery) as a means of recreating the late actor on the big screen. Director Francis Lawrence has revealed that he opted not to go that route, however.

    “He had two scenes with dialogue that were left and we decided we didn’t want to try any kind of digital trickery with him, so we rewrote his scenes and gave his dialogue to other actors,” he said in a recent interview about Philip Seymour Hoffman’s role as Plutarch Heavensbee. “So there was one scene from ‘Part 1′ and one scene from ‘Part 2,’ so we shot both movies back to back.”

    The director went on to say it would have been ‘disastrous’ to use technology like CGI to recreate such a talented actor’s performance.

    “He was one of the greatest actors, I think, of all time and I just think to try to fake a Philip Seymour Hoffman performance would have been catastrophic and I would never want to do that,” he said. “I just think this was the best way to be able to get around such a horrible thing.”

    It will no doubt be bittersweet for those who worked directly with Philip Seymour Hoffman, as well as for his friends, family, and his fans–to see him on the big screen once again when The Hunger Games: Mockingjay–Part 1 hits theaters on November 21st, as well as when the second installment of the film premieres. While it will be amazing to once again see the actor in this role, it will be a sad reminder that he is gone in real life.

    Do you think director Francis Lawrence made the right call by not allowing Philip Seymour Hoffman to be recreated on film by CGI?

  • Ashley Olsen, Mary-Kate Olsen: Both Date Older Men

    Ashley Olsen and twin sister Mary-Kate Olsen–once known as the Olsen twins–are both dating much older men. Might this be one of those ‘twin’ things like knowing when the other one is in pain or sad? Ashley Olsen’s boyfriend is Moneyball director Bennett Miller. He is nineteen years her senior at forty-seven years old. The two started dating earlier in 2014.

    Mary-Kate Olsen is engaged to French businessman Olivier Sakozy–who is the half brother of the former president of France. He is forty-five years old, making him seventeen years older than Mary-Kate.

    You must admit it’s rather interesting to see these two young girls in their late twenties who are both dating considerably older men. It might be due in part to their line of clothing. The Olsen twins are fashion designers and some of the things they’ve been spotted wearing look like they are meant for considerably older women. A bit on the eccentric style, they have been spotted wearing faux fur, lots of pearls and even an abundance of black lace.

    Since first going public with their relationship at Philip Seymour Hoffman’s funeral in February, Ashley Olsen and her beau are seldom seen in public together. They were spotted on Sunday, however, leaving her apartment in Manhattan. She was dressed this time like a young woman her age, wearing a collared shirt and sweater. Ashley Olsen has previously been linked to actor Justin Bartha, businessman David Schulte, and restaurateur Scott Sartiano.

    The Olsen twins’ initial claim to fame came more than two decades ago when they starred as Michelle Tanner in the hit TV series Full House.

    Did you ever imagine that the adorable twins who played little Michelle on Full House would one day date or be engaged to men who are so much older than they are? Of course no one thought they would leave acting and become famous fashion designers, but they definitely did that, too. In fact, they’re now designing wedding gowns. It will be interesting to see if the twins design Mary-Kate Olsen’s gown for her marriage to Olivier Sarkozy–and Ashley Olsen’s if she decides to stick with Bennett Miller.

    Image via YouTube

  • Christina Hendricks On Philip Seymour Hoffman

    Christina Hendricks, who plays flashy redhead secretary Joan on Mad Men, has not always had it easy. Even the stars that you would think must have always had it made, sometimes had to struggle to get where they are.

    Hendricks said in an interview with The Guardian that she absolutely hated high school and that she was bullied.

    “We had a locker bay, and every time I went down there to get books out of my locker people would sit on top and spit at me. So I had to have my locker moved because I couldn’t go in there… I felt scared in high school. It was like Lord of the Flies. There was always some kid getting pummelled and people cheering.”

    Therefore, Christina Hendricks did what many kids, who didn’t quite fit in, did back then. She went goth.

    She admitted to dyeing her hair black and shaving the back. She even admitted wearing lots of black and those knee-high Doc Marten boots that were widely coveted, but narrowly afforded.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC8JaOcE2AM

    I bet some of those kids who bullied Christina Hendricks are looking back in regret now. Of course, her parents tried to discourage her choice of attire and hairstyle, but they were unsuccessful.

    “My parents would say, ‘You’re just alienating everyone. You’ll never make any friends looking like that.’ And I would say, ‘I don’t want those people to be my friends. I’m never going to be friends with the people who beat up a kid while everyone is cheering them on. I hate them,’” Christina Hendricks said of such conversations with her parents.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EehXbBrVDJw

    When asked if she was surprised about God’s Pocket co-star Philip Seymour Hoffman‘s death in February from mixed drug intoxication, Christina Hendricks said,

    “I mean, I was because he’d seemed so great… um… and, you know, we’d just been at Sundance with him the week before and he seemed fantastic. I knew he’d had problems in the past but I really did think it was in the past. I was so surprised.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJF6qV6aFUg

    It must have been hard for Christina Hendricks to watch the premiere of God’s Pocket knowing that Hoffman, who played her husband in the movie, was no longer alive. It’s just hard to see the image and hear the voice of someone that has passed.

    “I was saying to my husband [the actor Geoffrey Arend] that sometimes when you have a friend who passes, it feels very, very final,” Christina Hendricks said. “But something about Philip… I keep thinking I’m going to see him again. I guess, when I watch the film now, I feel like it’s a celebration of him. I feel lucky to have gotten to work with him. I feel grateful and I feel sad.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJF6qV6aFUg

    Good luck to Christina Hendricks on her fifth straight year to be nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama! Maybe this year’s the year!

    Image via YouTube

  • Mimi O’Donnnell: Sole Beneficiary To Philip Seymour Hoffman’s $35 Million Estate

    Mimi O’Donnell is the sole beneficiary of the $35 million estate that renowned actor Philip Seymour Hoffman left in his passing.  The actor had been struggling with drug addiction and died from an overdose in February at age 46.

    Hoffman wanted long-time partner and girlfriend, Marianne “Mimi” O’Donnell to inherit his whole fortune and use it however she deemed fit, believing that she will do what is best for their children. The two had been together for fourteen years and have three children together – a son, Cooper, 10, and two daughters, Tallulah, seven, and Willa, five.

    The couple were never married but Hoffman’s accountant was quoted to have observed that he always treated her “…in the same manner as if she were a spouse.” This is further confirmed by the joint bank accounts they held that had substantial deposits.

    Hoffman’s other reason for not leaving any money for his children was that he didn’t want his kids growing up as privileged and bratty “trust fund kids”. While living, he repeatedly declined his accountant’s suggestions to set aside funds for his kids, this according to the Manhattan Surrogate’s Court filing on July 18.

    Hoffman’s only other request, according to his 2004 will, was that O’Donnell raise their son in one of three cities: Manhattan, Chicago, or San Francisco to allow the boy exposure to the “…culture, arts, and architecture that such cities offer.” If living in one of these cities is not an option, he asked that O’Donnell bring his child on trips there at least twice a year.  This request doesn’t mention the couple’s daughters as the will was drafted before they were born.

    Mimi O’Donnell was a costume designer who met Hoffman in 1999 when they worked on a play together. They had been together since and were living in New York with their children, until she asked Hoffman to leave the apartment they shared in late 2013, reportedly due to his drug dependence.

    Image via YouTube

  • Philip Seymour Hoffman: Death Ruled Accidental

    Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death was confirmed by New York medical officials to have been entirely accidental.

    Hoffman, whose body was found on February 2nd in his Manhattan apartment, had unintentionally overdosed on a deadly mixture of drugs.

    The 46-year-old actor was found with a shocking state, with a needle still in his arm and drugs near his body. The police eventually located dozens of packets of unused heroin and prescription drugs, one of which was said to be for the treatment of heroin addiction.

    The office of New York’s chief medical examiner officially confirmed Hoffman‘s cause of death as being from “acute mixed drug intoxication”.

    The substances revealed to be in Hoffman’s system at the time of death include heroine, cocaine, benzodiazepines and amphetamines.

    Friday’s ruling on Hoffman’s untimely death came after a prior autopsy ruled the cause of death “inconclusive”. More tests were said to have been needed, resulting in a more detailed probe.

    The tragedy of Hoffman’s death is that the actor had actually been sober for roughly 23 years.

    He admitted in an interview that he had entered rehab for drug and alcohol addiction in 1989, at the age of 22. Before that he would use “anything he got his hands on”. Hoffman checked into a treatment center in May 2013 to deal with his relapse.

    Despite his struggle with drugs during parts of his life, Hoffman would go on to have an extensive and highly-acclaimed acting career. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his leading role as Truman Capote in “Capote”. He also received three nominations for Best Supporting Actor.

    Hoffman had just started to begin making a name for himself as a director and producer.

    Hoffman’s death is said to have resulted in several arrests, however charges related to his death were later dismissed. The actor’s funeral was on February 7th.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Amy Adams Pays Tearful Tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman

    Amy Adams was moved to tears when she remembered Philip Seymour Hoffman and how he was on the set and behind the scenes.

    Adams sat down for a taping of Inside the Actors Studio at Pace University in New York just three days after the actor died of an apparent heroin overdose. It was when host James Lipton asked her about her performance in Doubt that Adams began to crumble. Lipton said that he brought Hoffman to the same spot fourteen years ago, predicting that the actor would become the greatest of his generation.

    Turning to the audience of aspiring actors, Adams said “I wish you all could get the chance to work with him,” before she broke down.  Hoffman, she said, had an exceptional ability to really see people, not just look through them. “He will be missed,” she added.

    Adams and Hoffman had been friends since they co-starred in Charlie Wilson’s War in 2007. They were also cast in Doubt in 2008, for which Adams received her second Oscar nomination, and in The Master in 2012.

    Adams expressed what a joy it was to work with Hoffman, and how so many people loved him. Her distress over his death became even more apparent when she said, “I just don’t know how much more I can talk about it right now. Sorry.”

    After regaining some composure, Adams went on to give praise to her Doubt costars. It was amazing working with Hoffman and Meryl Streep, she said, who, aside from talent and skill, had great work ethic and a “generosity of spirit” to involve others on the journey to a wonderful story. As actors, both Streep and Hoffman have the ability to create a world that felt real, “And it’s transformative,” she said, while crying. Streep and Hoffman also earned Oscar nominations for Doubt.

    “He’s a beautiful spirit,” Adams said of Hoffman. “I just really loved him.”

    http://youtu.be/pW-1IWWdmqA

    Image via YouTube

  • Philip Seymour Hoffman: Terms Of Will Released

    Philip Seymour Hoffman has been mourned by many since his death earlier this month, and many worried about his three children and how they would handle the loss of their father. For his part, Hoffman was careful to make sure they won’t be exposed to L.A. as he put terms in his will for his longtime partner, Mimi O’Donnell, to keep them in New York, Chicago, or San Francisco.

    The will was created in 2004, when the couple only had one child, but Hoffman was very clear about how he wanted his son to be raised, and one can assume he wanted the same for his other children. According to TMZ, the actor left instructions for O’Donnell to stay in one of those three cities or, barring that, to at least visit those areas twice a year. Hoffman was well known for his love of art and architecture and wanted the same for his family.

    “My spare time is really about hanging out with my kids,” Hoffman said in an interview with Us Weekly. “If I’m free, a good chunk of that is going to be thinking about how to hang out with them.”

    The “Capote” actor was found dead in his apartment of a heroin overdose at the age of 46 on February 2. Police made arrests a few days later in connection with the brand of drugs found at his home, and three of the suspects have entered not guilty pleas.

    Hoffman left his estate to O’Donnell and had a trust set up for his son, Cooper. The couple also shared two daughters, 7-year old Tallulah and 5-year old Willa.

    Image via “>Wikimedia Commons

  • Drake Upset About Getting Bumped For Rolling Stone Cover

    Canadian recording artist and rapper Drake says he is “disgusted” at Rolling Stone magazine for replacing him on the March issue cover at the last minute. Rolling Stone ran the print with Philip Seymour Hoffman on the front cover instead.

    The magazine decided to pay homage to the award-winning actor, Hoffman, after his sudden death following a reported heroin overdose on February 2 in his Manhattan office apartment. The March issue features highlights of the late actor’s life and achievements that he had throughout his 46 years of life.

    Rolling Stone’s spokesperson, Melissa Bruno, stated on a phone interview with CBC News that the magazine does not comment on their decisions for cover images.

    Twitter users also commented and accused the rapper for being childish about him being replaced on the cover. The harsh comments towards Drake were also defended by some of his fans saying that the press always twists conversations and that they still love him.

    The cover is not the only issue Drake has with the magazine. On his Twitter page, he ranted about an interview the magazine conducted, and said that he never made any ill comments on Kanye West’s album Yeezus, and was misquoted by the magazine. Drake allegedly said that some of West’s raps were questionable. On one of his tweets, Drake also said the press is evil. He has later deleted the tweets regarding the interview and the cover.

    Drake never outright denied saying those things about Kanye West. He just stated that he never made those comments during the interview portion. The comments were probably said off-the-record, but the magazine included it on print.

    On his last tweet, Drake says that he just wants people to listen to his music so he can accurately get his message across. He also says that he is done doing magazine interviews.

    Drake: Worst Behavior

    Image via YouTube

  • Elizabeth Banks On Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Death

    If you haven’t heard, another untimely death occurred this past weekend, and fans and co-stars are morning him deeply. Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his New York apartment on Sunday. While the cause of his death was previously unknown, it has since been confirmed that Hoffman died of an apparent heroin overdose.

    The 46-year-old Oscar-winning actor’s most recent project was the third installment of the Hunger Games trilogy Mockingjay . Mockingjay was shot in two parts, the first to be released later this year. While the first part was complete, it was reported that Hoffman still had several scenes left to shoot in the second part, including one very emotional scene. The studio revealed, that while Hoffman’s death is a set back and they are horribly saddened by his death, production on part two will continue.

    The entire cast of the Hunger Games released a statement offering their condolences to Hoffman’s family and talking about what a wonderful actor Hoffman was.

    “Words cannot convey the devastating loss we are all feeling right now,” the statement reads. “Philip was a wonderful person and an exceptional talent, and our hearts are breaking. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”

    A Lionsgate spokesperson also released a statement regarding Hoffman’s death. “Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation. We’re very fortunate that he graced our Hunger Games family,” the film studio’s statement read. “Losing him in his prime is a tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Philip’s family.”

    Now, Hoffman’s co-star Elizabeth Banks has opened up about Hoffman’s death, and says she is still in shock. “I’m still processing it,” Banks explained. “I really am in shock. He is an absolutely amazing actor, respected by everyone and part of our family at The Hunger Games. We will miss him terribly, and obviously, we’re really upset for his children and his partner,” Banks continued. “It’s just a tragedy.”

    Hoffman is survived by his longtime partner Mimi O’Donnell and their three children Cooper, Tallulah and Willa.

    Image via YouTube

  • Four Arrested Regarding Hoffman’s Case

    Police have arrested four people in connection to the death investigation of Philip Seymour Hoffman.

    After receiving a tip that there had been heavy drug dealing out of a New York City apartment, police executed search warrants for three units of a Mott Street apartment. During the search police recovered more than 350 bags of heroin.

    57-year-old Robert Vineberg and 48-year-old Thomas Cushman were both charged with felony criminal possession of a controlled substance. Vineberg was also charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia.

    Max Rosenbloom and Juliana Luchkiw, both 22-years-old were charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of controlled substance, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

    The connection between the four arrested and Hoffman’s death is still unclear.

    In the meantime, police had tested the heroin to discover if it was laced with any additional substances like fentanyl, a synthetic morphine linked to 22 suspected overdoes deaths in western PA.

    Reports have concluded that fentanyl was not included in the recovered heroin.

    Fans, friends and family are still mourning the loss of the actor, taking to social media to express their sympathy for the lost life.

    The Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home said Hoffman’s family has requested a private funeral. It will be held Friday.

    Image Via YouTube

  • Matt Damon Remembers Philip Seymour Hoffman

    The 1999 film,The Talented Mr. Ripley enchanted audiences with its dramatic plot and phenomenal cast. Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law worked alongside the late Philip Seymour Hoffman creating a crime drama that’s still getting attention today.

    On Good Morning America, Matt Damon talked about the sudden loss of his past co-star and why he was, “one of the best actors that ever lived.”

    While they’re promoting his latest film, Monuments Men, Damon was asked about the loss of Hoffman. His response was sincere and heartbreaking.

    Don’t remember the ’99 film? Catch the trailer here.

    “He was one of the best actors that ever lived without a doubt,” he said. “And he was an even better person. He was a beautiful person. It’s horrible.”

    Former Mr. Ripley co-star Paltrow remembered the star via Instagram.

    Image Via YouTube

  • George Clooney Pays Homage to Philip Seymour Hoffman

    The show must go on. Even though George Clooney was in New York City last night in order to promote his new film, The Monuments Men, the 52-year-old actor couldn’t help but think about his friend Philip Seymour Hoffman. The city itself, the place where Hoffman called home, was a painful reminder to Clooney.

    Clooney needed to pay homage to the great actor who died of an apparent heroin overdose on Sunday at the age of 46, before he said anything about the upcoming release of his film. In front of an audience at Manhattan’s Ziegfeld Theatre, Clooney admitted how Seymour’s death weighed on him. “I wanted to start by saying it’s very odd to be here in New York, particularly a couple of days after a good friend of ours has passed away. It makes it difficult, and I think it’s the elephant in the room for a lot of us here.”

    The two friends starred together in the political thriller The Ides of March. Clooney added, “It’s senseless and it’s sad, but he will be greatly missed. Phil will be greatly missed. It’s hard to be here tonight with that… weighing over us, but I wanted to say that.”

    Hoffman’s death is a developing story. Four people were arrested on Tuesday night who are suspected to be linked to the heroin found in Hoffman’s apartment. Several bags of heroin were discovered in the Oscar winning actor’s New York City apartment with the labels “Ace of Spades” and “Ace of Hearts.”

    Hoffman was found dead in his apartment with a needle sticking out of his arm. However, New York City’s chief medical examiner has not officially announced a cause of death as of Wednesday afternoon.

    Phlip Seymour Hoffman is considered by many as one of the finest actors of his generation. He starred in both Hollywood films and Broadway productions. He won an Oscar for his spot-on performance of Truman Capote in the 2005 biopic titled Capote.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Philip Seymour Hoffman: 4 Arrested After His Death

    Four people have been arrested in suspected connection to actor Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death, and more than 350 bags of heroin were found in the raided apartments.

    Three men and one woman were taken into custody late on Tuesday night in a set of apartments which were about a mile from where Hoffman was found dead with a needle in his arm on Sunday. Officials say that they were led to the suspected drug dealers during the course of their investigation but that the heroin found on Tuesday wasn’t labeled in the same manner as the bags found in Hoffman’s apartment–“Ace of Spades” and “Ace of Hearts”.

    57-year old Robert Vineberg and 48-year old Thomas Kushman were charged with felony drug possession, while Max Rosenblum and Juliana Luchkiw, both 22, were charged with misdemeanor drug possession. Vineberg has denied selling heroin to Hoffman.

    “An internal e-mail went out to all supervisors asking if anyone has had any experience with those brand names of drugs,” a law-enforcement source told The Post on Monday. “Any time we make a narcotics arrest, we include the brand name on the arrest report and store it in our system so our investigators can see where those brands are being sold.”

    A search of Hoffman’s apartment turned up dozens of bags of heroin, prescription drugs, and paraphernalia. The 46-year old Oscar winner was found after he failed to pick up his children on Sunday morning.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • “Hunger Games”: Philip Seymour Hoffman Left 4 Other Projects Behind

    Philip Seymour Hoffman was an actor whose star had risen pretty far in recent years; after winning an Oscar for his stunning turn in “Capote”, especially, it seemed that he was on a track to nothing but continued success. After landing a part in “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and signing on for the next two installments in the franchise–“Mockingjay: Part 1” and “Mockingjay: Part 2:–Hoffman had a full schedule right up until his death over the weekend of a heroin overdose. Now, fans of the films are wondering what the loss of the actor will mean for the films, and for the other projects he had in the works.

    “Hunger Games” shouldn’t be affected, as there were only about seven more days of shooting left on the second installment of “Mockingjay” and Hoffman had completed almost all of his scenes; the release dates–Nov. 21, 2014 and Nov. 20, 2015–won’t be affected for either film, according to Lionsgate. The cast and crew released a joint statement after his passing was announced, saying, “Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation. We’re very fortunate that he graced our ‘Hunger Games’ family. Losing him in his prime is a tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Philip’s family.”

    One project for Showtime, “Happish”, was basically built around Hoffman, and now producers will have to make the decision on whether or not to cast another lead actor or scrap it altogether.

    “It took us a while to get to Philip Seymour Hoffman,” Showtime president David Nevins said, adding that it was “totally worth it.”

    The actor was also working on the films “A Most Wanted Man” and “God’s Pocket”, and had been tapped to direct a Prohibition-era project called “Ezekiel Moss” which Exclusive Media says they will not be presenting the film to buyers until producers figure out their next move. As for the other films, “A Most Wanted Man” is scheduled for an August release but “God’s Pocket” hasn’t been finalized yet.

    Hoffman’s tragic death isn’t the first to come in the middle of a project; Paul Walker’s death in a car accident over Thanksgiving weekend caused the producers of “Fast and Furious 7” to make a swift decision about whether or not to continue with the film and how to approach his character. In the end, they decided to write him off rather than have his character killed.

    When Brandon Lee died in the middle of filming “The Crow”, some of his scenes had to be edited to make it appear he was really there; the use of shadows on a rain-drenched set aided in the final cut.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Hunger Games Cast and Crew React to Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Death

    The untimely death of Hunger Games actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has drawn condolensces, reflections, and expressions from millions around the world. Now, the film franchise’s cast and production crew are weighing in as well.

    In a collaborative statement issued by Hunger Games co-producer Jennifer Lawrence, director Francis Lawrence, author Suzanne Collins and others, on behalf of the film’s cast and production crew, they collectively expressed their sentiments and devastation in regards to the tragic loss.

    “Words cannot convey the devastating loss we are all feeling right now,” the statement reads. “Philip was a wonderful person and an exceptional talent, and our hearts are breaking. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”

    The brief statement followed an official press release issued by the Hunger Games film studio, where the Academy award-winning actor was held to high regards and lauded for his career achievements.

    “Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation. We’re very fortunate that he graced our Hunger Games family,” a Lionsgate spokesperson said in the statement. “Losing him in his prime is a tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Philip’s family.”

    Fans also took to Twitter to offer condolences and expressions in light of Hoffman’s death.

    Hoffman’s family also issued a brief statement requesting privacy at this time. “Philip Seymour Hoffman was one of our generation’s finest and most brilliant actors. He was also a gifted comedic talent. It was a great privilege and pleasure to work with him and we are all absolutely devastated by this sudden loss. Our thoughts go out to his family at this very difficult time.”

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    On the morning of Sunday, Feb. 2, Hoffman was found dead in his New York City apartment. While a definitive cause of death has yet to be determined, MTV News reports that the Oscar award-winning actor may have died of a drug overdose. Hoffman is survived by his three children whom he had with his longtime girlfriend costume designer Mimi O’Donnell. He was 46 years old.

    Image via Facebook | Hunger Games (1) (2)

  • Philip Seymour Hoffman And The Reality Of Addiction

    Philip Seymour Hoffman will be remembered as a talented actor who was loved as respected for his craft, and who will leave behind devastated family and friends.

    The 46-year old actor was found yesterday in his Manhattan apartment, and it is now being reported that he died of a drug overdose.

    Law enforcement sources claim that he was found on the floor of his apartment’s bathroom, and that there was a needle still in his arm. Police found eight empty glassine-type bags, with the words “Ace of Hearts” and “Ace of Spades”—street names for heroin. Two bags full of what is believed to be heroin were also recovered at the scene by law enforcement officials.

    As the reality dawns on onlookers that this was a death caused by addiction, some are taking a far less sympathetic view of the matter:

    Jared Padalecki, star of TV’s “Supernatual” gave a comment that is currently receiving a great deal of backlash.

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    Some people, who have never struggled with addiction themselves or been touched by it through a loved one’s addiction have a habit of greatly underestimating the life-long hold it has on an individual. One never stops being an alcoholic even if one is able to stop drinking. The temptation and desire are there and a relapse is always possible.

    In the case of Hoffman, he had reportedly struggled with a heroin addiction for over two decades.

    He admitted in an interview with 60 Minutes that his issues with drugs and alcohol began shortly after finishing college in 1989

    “It was all that drugs and alcohol, yeah….It was anything that I could get my hands on. I liked it all.”

    Eventually Hoffman was able to get over his addiction, which he managed to fight for 23 years before voluntarily checking into rehab in May 2013.

    It wasn’t as if Hoffman hadn’t tried to stop using drugs. It wasn’t even as if he didn’t try to get help when he knew he needed it.

    It’s not a matter of being “strong enough” or “good enough” or “wise enough”. Anyone can become addicted to a substance under the right circumstances. And it’s not always a matter of drugs and alcohol. Sex addiction. Food addiction and addiction to sugar. Addiction to technology and the internet.

    There are no safe addictions. There is no cure-all for addiction. It is facing the reality that something has a hold of you and admitting you have a problem. If any good can come of the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman, maybe the discussion of his death and how he died will make someone somewhere realize that they need help and seek rehab. If that’s you, DO NOT WAIT.

    Images via Wikimedia Commons, Jared Padalecki’s Twitter (screencapped by Jezebel)

  • Hunger Games’ Final Movies Keep Original Release Dates despite Hoffman’s Death

    The unexpected death of Philip Seymour Hoffman shocked the world yesterday. Fans of the actor found themselves understandably devastated by this news. Hoffman was loved and respected not only for his talent but also for his humble nature. Because Hoffman was such a respected actor, he was working on several film projects at the time of his death. Some of those films included The Hunger Games: MockingJay Part 1 and Part 2.

    Hoffman’s tragic death left some people wondering how those movies would continue in his absence. Yahoo News reports that MockingJay Part 1 and MockingJay Part 2 will still be released on November 21, 2014 and November 20, 2015, in that order. Hoffman completed all filming on the first MockingJay movie last year. Additionally, he only had seven days left to complete shooting on the final one.

    Hoffman joined The Hunger Games movies in the second film, Catching Fire. He played Plutarch Heavensbee. Fans of the book series knows how important Plutarch is to the storyline of the final book, so this forces the MockingJay Part 2 production team to figure out how to continue the storyline without Hoffman.

    Lionsgate, the production company behind the Hunger Games movies, released an official statement to Hoffman’s family.

    “Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation. We’re very fortunate that he graced our Hunger Games family. Losing him in his prime is a tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Philip’s family.”

    In Hoffman’s career, he received four Oscar nominations. Some even speculated that the Hunger Games franchise might earn him another nomination. Hoffman attended the Sundance film festival last month to promote his new independent film God’s Pocket. No release date has been set for this film.

    Hoffman was found dead in his NYC apartment from an alleged drug overdose. He leaves behind partner, Mimi O’Donnell, and their three children, Willa and Tallulah and Cooper.

    Image Via Wikimedia Commons

  • Philip Seymour Hoffman Mourned by Hollywood

    Hollywood was devastated today when Philip Seymour Hoffman, 46, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment from a heroin overdose. The Oscar-wining actor was beloved for his intense character portrayals in dramatic films such as “Capote,” “Doubt,” and “The Master.”

    Immediately following the tragic news, many of Hollywood’s best shared their grievances on Twitter, offering their condolences and acknowledging Hoffman’s skilled performances. The overwhelming outpouring from Hollywood is a clear indicator that Hoffman was one of the most admired actors of our generation, and will be remembered for his performances for years to come.

    Here’s what Hoffman’s many famous admirers had to say about the late actor:

    Although Hoffman’s death is being reported as a drug overdose, New York City Medical Examiners are still determing the exact cause of death. He was found after a 911 call his morning at 11:30am.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons