BBC News:
2 February 2014 Last updated at 14:58 ET
Entertainment journalist Toby Earle describes an "actor who elevated whatever film he appeared in"
Oscar-winning American actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead in New York, police say.
The 46-year-old was found in his Manhattan apartment after a friend called the emergency services.
The police said the cause of death was an apparent drug overdose.
Hoffmann made his name in the 1990s in films including Boogie Nights and the Big Lebowski, before winning the best actor Oscar for his 2005 portrayal of writer Truman Capote.
Throughout his career he featured in independent films as well as Hollywood blockbusters such as Mission Impossible III.
His latest role was in the Hunger Games series of films.
'Lit up the screen'
As well as films, he also starred in Broadway plays and was nominated for two Tony Awards.
British actor John Hurt, who starred alongside Hoffman in the 2003 drama Owning Mahowny, said the news had hit him "very hard".
Steve Coogan and John Hurt paid tribute to an "extraordinary" talent
"He was a great actor, a great member of the film and theatre community. An extraordinary talent, directorially as well as an actor. He'll be greatly missed," he told the BBC.
Hollywood stars have also paid tribute.
"Dear Philip, a beautiful beautiful soul,"
tweeted actor Jim Carrey.
"For the most sensitive among us the noise can be too much. Bless your heart."
Last year Hoffman told celebrity news website TMZ that he had sought treatment for drug abuse.
He told the website he had used prescription drugs, and briefly heroin, before seeking help.
Hoffman has over 60 film credits to his name, including Magnolia and The Master with director Paul Thomas Anderson, for which he was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar.
He received two other Oscar nominations for his roles in Charlie Wilson's War and Doubt.
He made his debut as a director in 2010 with the New York-set Jack Goes Boating, in which he also starred.
British film critic Jason Solomons said he "lit up the screen".
"He'd take the weirdest parts and give them a human element. He was a fantastic director as well and showed a real touch with actors," he said.
