Philip Seymour Hoffman

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman arrives for the premiere of the film "Synecdoche, New York" during the 61st International film festival in Cannes, southern France, on Friday, May 23, 2008. Hoffman was born July 23, 1967, in Rochester, N.Y., the son of Marilyn L. O'Connor, a family court judge, lawyer and civil rights activist, and Gordon S. Hoffman, a former Xerox executive.

Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman attends a premiere for "Doubt" at the Paris Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, in New York. Hoffman's first acting role was as Radar O'Reilly in Fairport High School's production of M*A*S*H in 1982. He received a BFA in drama in 1989 from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman attends a Cinema Society-hosted screening of his movie "Synecdoche New York" on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, in New York. Hoffman began his professional acting career in television in 1991, began appearing in films the following. His work in a diverse range of supporting roles brought him recognition over the following decade, and he also achieved success in theatre.

Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Charlie Wilson's War" — Universal Pictures

Philip Seymour Hoffman in a scene from "Charlie Wilson's War." Hoffman was nominated for an Academy Award for his supporting role in the film, which also stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.

In 2006, Philip Seymour Hoffman was recognized with just about every award, including an Oscar, for his performance as writer Truman Capote in "Capote." He is pictured here attending the 25th annual nominees luncheon hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif., Feb. 13, 2006.

Hoffman poses with the Golden Globe Award he won Jan. 16, 2006, for his portrayal of Truman Capote in "Capote."

Philip Seymour Hoffman poses with the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role for his work in "Capote" at the 12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards Jan. 29, 2006, in Los Angeles.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener attend the cocktail reception for 31st Annual Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards held at the Park Hyatt Jan. 17, 2006, in Century City, Calif.

Philip Seymour Hoffman poses at HBO's Annual Pre-Golden Globe Reception at Chateau Marmont Jan. 14, 2006, in Los Angeles.

Leisure In New York — AP Photo/Stuart Ramson

Actor Viggo Mortensen, right, joins actor Philip Seymour Hoffman at the 5th annual New York Times Arts and Leisure Weekend, New York, Jan. 6, 2006. More than 1,500 cultural institutions participated in the celebration of art and culture.

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman and director Bennett Miller participate in a Q&A session at the Variety Screening Series of "Capote" at the Arclight Theaters Oct. 24, 2005, in Hollywood, Calif.

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman and his girlfriend, costume designer Mimi O'Donnell, arrive at Lincoln Center for the New York Film Festival premiere of "Capote" Sept. 27, 2005. Hoffman plays writer Truman Capote in the film.

Philip Seymour Hoffman arrives at the Canadian premiere of "Capote" in Toronto Sept. 10, 2005.

Actors Philip Seymour Hoffman and Billy Crudup arrive at "Celebrity Charades 2004: The Rematch," a benefit for the Labyrinth Theatre Company, in New York Sept. 27, 2004.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Mimi O'Donnell attend the play opening of "Bridge and Tunnel" Feb. 19, 2004, at the Bleecker Street Theatre, in New York.

Philip Seymour Hoffman watches the New York Knicks against the Detroit Pistons NBA game Feb. 17, 2004, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and his son, Cooper Alexander, whose mother is girlfriend Mimi O'Donnell, hung out backstage at the Cynthia Rowley Fall 2004 fashion show during Olympus Fashion Week at the Promenade in Bryant Park Feb. 12, 2004, in New York.

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman waits for his photo shoot on Main Street during the Sundance Film Festival Jan. 24, 2003, Park City, Utah.

Billy Crudup, Mary Louise Parker, and Philip Seymour Hoffman attend the party after the premiere of "World Traveler" in New York April 15, 2002.

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman laughs with actress Julia Stiles at a party after the New York premiere of the film "State and Main" Dec. 4, 2000, at the Chelsea West Theater in New York.