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Oscar winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, 46, was found dead this morning in his NYC West Village apartment of an apparent heroin overdose. He reportedly rented the two-bedroom penthouse unit three months ago.

Screenwriter David Katz and another friend discovered the actor’s body on a bathroom floor at 11:30 a.m. this morning and telephoned 911. They reportedly stopped to check on him because he had not shown up as planned to pick up his kids, who were living at a nearby residence with their mother.

Upon arriving at the scene, authorities found the deceased actor with a needle still in his arm. Investigators have gathered at the Greenwich apartment where police sources indicate two bags of heroin were found at the scene.

Hoffman struggled in the past with drug problems and suffered a relapse nearly two years ago after 23-years of sobriety. He checked into a rehab facility in May 2013 for a short stint, citing the need to detox after returning to heroin.

In 2005, Hoffman played the title role in ‘Capote,’ for which he won multiple acting awards including an Academy Award for Best Actor. He received three more nominations for his supporting work in ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’ (2007), ‘Doubt’ (2008) and ‘The Master ‘(2012).

He also had the recurring role in the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, portraying Plutarch Heavensbee. He last appeared on the red carpet for the premiere of the latest film, ‘Catching Fire.’

Hoffman was also an accomplished theater actor and director, appearing in numerous stage productions. His performances in three Broadway plays led to three Tony Award nominations: two for Best Leading Actor in ‘True West,’ and ‘Death of a Salesman’ and one for Best Featured Actor in ‘Long Day’s Journey into Night.’

The actor had been in a longtime relationship with costume designer Mimi O’Donnell. They met while working on the 1999 play ‘In Arabia We’d All Be Kings,’ which Hoffman directed. They have a son, Cooper Alexander and two daughters, Tallulah and Willa.

His family issued this statement: “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. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.”

Photo Credit: WENN