“My passion to develop as an actor didn’t have anything to do with people knowing me. I had no idea that would happen. To become famous, to become a celebrity is something that I thought happened to other people” (Philip Seymour Hoffman).

The sad death of Philip Seymour Hoffman, one of America’s finest actors, shook the world on Sunday afternoon, 2 February 2014. This is a clear tragedy since Philip was an immensely talented actor who was fiercely devoted to his profession. At 17-years of age, Philip was selected for NY State Summer School of Arts in Saratoga Springs, and he eventually received a bachelor’s degree in drama from NY University. It is possible that I first saw Philip in film The Getaway (1994) alongside Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, and even though he played there a very small (and negative) role, he did leave an impression on me. We probably can all recall him in somewhat uncomplimentary supporting roles in such films as Scent of a Woman (1992), When a Man Loves a Woman (1994) and The Talented Mr Ripley (1999). However, it was in Capote (2005) where he really shined as a leading actor, a role which subsequently earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Incidentally, Philip was awarded 23 different awards for his performance in Capote.

However, it was Philip’s later films which really made everyone focus on him as a true talent. His performances in Wilson’s War (2007), Doubt (2008) and in The Master (2012) were nothing short of brilliant. Apart from his film acting, few people also know that he was passionately involved in theatre work, and even directed his own film Jack Goes Boating (2010). 

Philip never stopped to encourage young people to get involved in acting, stressing such things as the art of fine acting, rather than money or fame as driving factors. The role of a supporting actor will always drag behind him, but, then, where leading men would be without their supporting cast?