Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman Remembered Through His Films, Quotes and Photos.

above photo by Mark Abrahams

All of a sudden my blogging about Super Bowl spots seems so shallow and insignificant. That's because we lost one of the greatest actors of all time this Sunday Morning.



above: Philip Seymour Hoffman at the 2014 Sundance Film festival in a tintype photo by Victoria Will for Esquire Magazine

Now I'm not one who gets 'crushes' on movie stars, nor do I pretend to know them based on my knowledge of their films or the gossip I have read in magazines. But I truly had a great respect for Philip Seymour Hoffman, whose passing leaves me saddened and empty. Found with a needle in his arm in his West Village apartment by a friend at 11:30 am this morning, it seems he has lost his battle with drugs. After 23 years clean, he fell off the wagon a year ago, did ten days in rehab in May of 2013, but apparently heroin got the best of him. Numerous news reports will follow, details will emerge, but it doesn't change the fact that his superb talent is no longer, denying us future performances.

Having won an Oscar in 2006 for his amazing 2005 turn as the lead role in 'Capote,'  he also boasts memorable performances (worth seeing if you have not) in such films as The Master, The Savages, Doubt, Moneyball, Before The Devil Knows You're Dead, Charlie Wilson's War, Boogie Nights, Almost Famous, Magnolia, Happiness, The Talented Mr. Ripley and The Big Lebowski.

In this small tribute to the actor which could never do his talent justice, I am sharing with you many of my favorite portraits of him, personal quotes of his, a full filmography, his honors, awards and a short bio.


above portrait of Philip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote by Nigel Parry

On playing Capote, Philip said "I knew that it would be great, but I still took the role kicking and screaming. Playing Capote took a lot of concentration. I prepared for four and a half months. I read and listened to his voice and watched videos of him on TV. Sometimes being an actor is like being some kind of detective where you're on the search for a secret that will unlock the character. With Capote, the part required me to be a little unbalanced, and that wasn't really good for my mental health. It was also a technically difficult part. Because I was holding my body in a way it doesn't want to be held and because I was speaking in a voice that my vocal cords did not want to do, I had to stay in character all day. Otherwise, I would give my body the chance to bail on me."


above portrait of Philip Seymour Hoffman by Miller Mobley

On quitting drinking at age 22, Philip said "I think I would have drank myself to death, literally, if I didn't just stop, once and for all when I did. I am not ever going to preach to anyone about drugs or drinking. But, for me, when they were around, I had no self control."


above portrait of Philip Seymour Hoffman by Herb Ritts

"Other people disagree with me, but Scent of a Woman really was my breakthrough. I was working in the prepared foods section of a deli when I was cast in that movie, and I've never had a non-acting job since. That's amazing". - Philip Seymour Hoffman


above portrait of Philip Seymour Hoffman by Brigitte Lacombe

"Actors are responsible to the people we play. I don't label or judge. I just play them as honestly and expressively and creatively as I can, in the hope that people who ordinarily turn their heads in disgust instead think, 'What I thought I'd feel about that guy, I don't totally feel right now.' " - Philip Seymour Hoffman on his responsibility as an actor.


above portrait of Philip Seymour Hoffman by Dan Busta

"My favorite thing about acting is being alone and going through the scripts and working on it and getting ideas and asking myself questions, looking outside myself for them and researching and getting to the bottom of something and being creative with it as an actor and how to express it in a creative fashion. That's my favorite part. And, the actual acting of it." - Philip Seymour Hoffman


above portrait of Philip Seymour Hoffman by unknown photographer

"Acting is so difficult for me that, unless the work is of a certain stature in my mind, unless I reach the expectations I have of myself, I'm unhappy. Then it's a miserable existence. I'm putting a piece of myself out there. If it doesn't do anything, I feel so ashamed. I'm afraid I'll be the kind of actor who thought he would make a difference and didn't. Right now, though, I feel like I made a little bit of difference." - Philip Seymour Hoffman


above portrait of Philip Seymour Hoffman by Christopher Wahl

"Study, find all the good teachers and study with them, get involved in acting to act, not to be famous or for the money. Do plays. It's not worth it if you are just in it for the money. You have to love it." - On his advice to aspiring actors.


above portrait of Philip Seymour Hoffman by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin

I don't think most people knew of his enormous body of work, playing both comedic and dramatic roles, voiceovers and more. I am devastated by the fact that he will not be able to bring us more on-screen joy but am thrilled that he has left behind a legacy of movies that will continue to entertain for decades.


above: his incredible range can be illustrated by his roles in Boogie Nights (above left) to Doubt (above right)

Here are his films in chronological order from most recent:

Presently in post production
• TV series (Happyish) and
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

2014
• God's Pocket
• Recently wrapped: A Most Wanted Man
• Recently wrapped: Günther Bachmann

2013
•The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Plutarch Heavensbee)

2012
• Back Beyond (Video short in which he played Lancaster Dodd)
• A Late Quartet (Robert Gelbart)
• The Master (Lancaster Dodd)

2011
• Moneyball (Art Howe)
• The Ides of March (Paul Zara)
• A Child's Garden of Poetry (TV Movie) (voice)

2010
• Jack Goes Boating (Jack)
• Arthur (TV Series playing Will Toffman)
• No Acting Please/Prunella Deegan and the Disappointing Ending (2009) ... Will Toffman (voice)
• The Invention of Lying (Jim the Bartender)
• Pirate Radio (The Count)
• Mary and Max - Max Jerry Horovitz (voice)

2008
• Doubt (Father Brendan Flynn)
• Synecdoche, New York (Caden Cotard)

2007
• Charlie Wilson's War (Gust Avrakotos)
• Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (Andy)
• The Savages (Jon Savage)

2006
• Mission: Impossible III (Owen Davian)

2005
• Capote (Truman Capote)
• Empire Falls (TV Movie playing Charlie Mayne)
• Strangers with Candy (Henry)

2004
• Along Came Polly (Sandy Lyle)

2003
• Cold Mountain (Reverend Veasey)
• Mattress Man Commercial (Video short playing Dean Trumbell)
• Owning Mahowny (Dan Mahowny)

2002
• 25th Hour (Jacob Elinsky)
• Red Dragon (Freddy Lounds)
• Punch-Drunk Love (Dean Trumbell)
• Love Liza (Wilson Joel)
• Almost Famous (Lester Bangs)

2000
• State and Main (Joseph Turner White)

1999
• The Talented Mr. Ripley (Freddie Miles)
• Magnolia (Phil Parma)
• Flawless (Rusty)

1998
• Patch Adams (Mitch)
• Happiness (Allen)
• The Big Lebowski (Brandt)
• Next Stop Wonderland (Sean)
• Montana (Duncan)

1997
• Liberty! The American Revolution (TV Mini-Series)
- The Times That Try Men's Souls: 1776-1777 (1997) ... Joseph Plumb Martin
- Oh, Fatal Ambition: 1777-1778 (1997) ... Joseph Plumb Martin
- The Reluctant Revolutionaries: 1763-1774 (1997) ... Joseph Plumb Martin
- Blows Must Decide: 1774-1776 (1997) ... Joseph Plumb Martin
• Culture (Short in which played Bill)
• Boogie Nights (Scotty J.)
• Twister (Dustin Davis)

1996
• Hard Eight Young Craps Player (as Phillip Seymour Hoffman)

1995
• The Fifteen Minute Hamlet (Short in which he played Bernardo / Horatio / Laertes )

1994
• Nobody's Fool (Officer Raymer)
• When a Man Loves a Woman (Gary)
• The Yearling (TV Movie, played Buck)
• Szuler (Martin)
• The Getaway (Frank Hansen)

1993
• Money for Nothing (Cochran)
• My Boyfriend's Back (Chuck Bronski)
• Joey Breaker (Wiley McCall)

1992
• Scent of a Woman ( he played bartender George Willis, Jr. and claims this as his 'breakout' role)
• Leap of Faith (Matt)
• My New Gun (Chris)

1991
• Triple Bogey on a Par Five Hole (Klutch)
• Law & Order (TV Series)

Some of his awards, nominations and honors:




to see a complete list of awards and honors, go here



IMDb Mini Biography By: Jon C. Hopwoo:
Film and stage actor and theater director Philip Seymour Hoffman was born in the Rochester, New York, suburb of Fairport on July 23, 1967. After becoming involved in high school theatrics, he attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, graduating with a B.F.A. degree in Drama in 1989. He made his feature film debut in the indie production Triple Bogey on a Par Five Hole (1991) as Phil Hoffman, and his first role in a major release came the next year in My New Gun (1992). While he had supporting roles in some other major productions, his breakthrough role came in Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights (1997). He quickly became an icon of indie cinema, establishing a reputation as one of the screen's finest actors, in a variety of supporting and second leads in indie and major features, including Todd Solondz's Happiness (1998), Flawless (1999), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia (1999), Almost Famous (2000) and State and Main (2000). He also appeared in supporting roles in such mainstream, big-budget features as Red Dragon (2002), Cold Mountain (2003) and the upcoming Mission: Impossible III (2006).

Hoffman is also quite active on the stage. On Broadway, he has earned two Tony nominations, as Best Actor (Play) in 2000 for a revival of Sam Shepard's "True West" and as Best Actor (Featured Role - Play) in 2003 for a revival of Eugene O'Neill (I)'s "Long Day's Journey into Night". His other acting credits in the New York theater include "The Seagull" (directed by Mike Nichols for The New York Shakespeare Festival), "Defying Gravity", "The Merchant of Venice" (directed by Peter Sellars), "Shopping and F*@%ing" and "The Author's Voice" (Drama Desk nomination). He is the Co-Artistic Director of the LAByrinth Theater Company in New York, for which he directed "Our Lady of 121st Street" by Stephen Adly Guirgis. He also has directed "In Arabia, We'd All Be Kings" and "Jesus Hopped the A Train" by Guirgis for LAByrinth, and "The Glory of Living" by Rebecca Gilman at the Manhattan Class Company.

Hoffman consolidated his reputation as one of the finest actors under the age of 40 with his turn in the title role of Capote (2005), for which he won the Los Angeles Film Critics Award as Best Actor. In 2006, he was awarded the Best Actor Oscar for the same role.

My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans,
Rest in peace, Philip.

Celebrity Cavemen. 20 Famous Folks As Neanderthals.

above: Caveman Willem Dafoe

While most sports fans will be busy watching large men grunt as they play the NFL Championship game tomorrow, I thought I'd introduce you to a different sort of Troglodyte today: the celebrity caveman.

The following images are entries by various computer artists from six different Worth1000 Effects contests in which they were asked to combine Celebrities with Neanderthals using Photoshop and/or other effects software.

Gene Hackman:

George Clooney:

Morgan Freeman:

Tommy Lee Jones:

Hugh Laurie:

Snoop Lion:

Kate Winslet:

Nick Nolte:

Al Pacino:

Sean Connery:

Robert deNiro:

Daniel Craig:

Harrison Ford:

Shakira:

Will Smith:

Jake Gyllenhall:

Tobey Maguire:

Sean Penn:

Danny Trejo:


I chose the above twenty images from six different Celebrity Neanderthal Contests from the past three years on Worth1000, the most recent of which ended about 3 weeks ago. My selection was based on the executions or humor quotient. Several entries were poorly executed, some looked like trolls and still others like zombies. I chose what I personally felt were the 20 most entertaining. Please note: these images have been cropped for better visibility and therefore are missing the Worth1000 watermark.

To see all of the original entries in the contests, visit the following links (there does not seem to be a 4th contest despite the numbered names):
Celebrity Neaderthals 1
Celebrity Neaderthals 2
Celebrity Neaderthals 3
Celebrity Neanderthals 5
Celebrity Neaderthals 6
Celebrity Neaderthals 7

About Worth1000
Worth1000 is the top creative contest site in the world. Every day they run lots of creative competitions of all types, including Effects contests (otherwise known as photochop or photoshop contests), photography contests, illustration contests, writing contests and more forms of multimedia.

The 25 Classiest Ron Burgundy Anchorman 2 Products From Undies To Whiskey.

With Anchorman 2: The Legend Returns opening in theaters December 20th, just about everyone will recognize the mustachioed suit-clad character Ron Burgundy, whether they've ever seen Will Ferrell in the role or not. That's because the promotional tie-ins with Paramount Pictures upcoming film are, as Ron would say, "Kind of a Big Deal."



From shilling for Dodge as their Durango spokesman to his own branded whiskey, the character has inspired everything from a Ben and Jerry Scotch-flavored ice cream to Jockey briefs. Action Figures, LEGO Mini figs, Replica Coats, Panther Sex Cologne and more. Here's a look at the best of the bunch.

JOCKEY ANCHORMAN BRIEFS


Jockey has launched 100% cotton briefs briefs as The Stuff legends Are Made Of with a unique Y-front® fly that provides ample support for your little anchorman in stylish colors that say "I'm kind of a big deal!" - Ron Burgundy.



“Jockey had one of the legendary ad campaigns of the early ‘80s, and the new movie hilariously depicts pop culture of that time,” said LeeAnne Stables, President of Consumer Products at Paramount Pictures. “Producing this limited edition line is a way to extend the fun and anticipation for the film to fans of the movie and the Jockey brand.”
You can buy the Jockey® Low-Rise Y-front® Brief Style #9008 here

BEN AND JERRY'S SCOTCHY SCOTCH SCOTCH ICE CREAM


Created in honor of beloved Ron Burgundy, the TV news anchor with a penchant for all things scotch, the flavor is a creamy concoction of butterscotch ice cream with ribbons of butterscotch swirl.

“Scotchy, Scotch, Scotch is a delicious ice cream and I hope Ben and Jerry consider my other suggestions,” said Ron Burgundy. “Malt liquor marshmallow, well liquor bourbon peanut butter, and cheap white wine sherbet."

“Having Ben & Jerry’s celebrate the return of Ron Burgundy to the big screen with the introduction of this special ice cream is an exciting and delicious way to build anticipation for the film,” said LeeAnne Stables, President of Consumer Products at Paramount Pictures. “We especially enjoyed the sampling process over the last several months to find the perfect Scotchy scotch flavor.”

Scotchy Scotch Scotch is available now at participating scoop shops across the country. Pints of the flavor will arrive on store shelves over the next few weeks. You can use their online locator to find the flavor near you.

RON BURGUNDY WHISKEY


Ron Burgundy Great Odin's Raven Special Reserve Whiskey is crafted and bottled in Scotland from a 60% malt and 40% grain blend by Old St. Andrews Distillery, featuring whiskies from Speyside, Highlands and Islay.


It's available from Riviera Imports across the US, Canada and other countries. If you don't see your home state or country listed here, please contact us at Info@RivieraImports.com


RON BURGUNDY ANCHORMAN 2 REPLICA LEATHER COAT


I love that this product is available! This Ron Burgundy Shearling Collar leather Coat is an exact replica by American Leather Jacket from the Anchorman 2 The Legend Continues Movie.


•100% Genuine Leather
•Shearling Collar
•Front Button Closure
•Two Flap Pockets
•Two Inside Pockets
buy it here

RON BURGUNDY BUST, ACTION FIGURES, BOBBLE HEADS, BOTTLE OPENERS AND MORE

Anchorman Ron Burgundy 7" Bust:


A faux-bronze bust, made of heavyweight polyresin, measures 7 inches tall and includes a name plate with the Anchorman's full name: "Ronald Joseph Aaron Burgundy"
Buy the Anchorman Ron Burgundy 7" Bust

Anchorman Talking Ron 13" Figure [Explicit Language]:

Features Scotchy Scotch Vision and a LOT of cool accessories! Measures 13" Tall
This amazing action figure states 12 of Ron Burgundy's wisest gems that have been archived as future instructions for his innumerable progeny:
"I'm very important; I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany" (The language may not be appropriate for young children)
Buy the Anchorman Talking Ron 13" Figure [Explicit Language]

Anchorman Battle Ready Ron 8" Figure:

•13 points of articulation
•Measures 8 Inch tall
•Features custom tailored suit and battle weapon!
buy the Anchorman Battle Ready Ron 8" Figure

Shop More Anchorman Toys and Items Here

RON THE ANCHORMAN - miniBIGS Custom Minifigure:


Made by MiniBIGS in Warren, Michigan, it's not an official LEGO product but is made from Genuine LEGO Minifigure Elements and can be purchased for $20 here

BRIAN FANTANA'S SEX PANTHER COLOGNE (with Growl Carton):

Made by Omni Consumer Products and officially licensed from the movie, Sex Panther Cologne is the most awesome cologne ever made in the history of the entire world. Scientifically engineered from space age petroleum distillates and animal byproducts, 60% of the time, it works every time. Unleash your inner animal! Carton package actually growls when you open it!


Sex Panther Cologne lures you in with clean and refreshing top notes of juniper and fresh air accord while the heart contains lavender and sensual musk. As the cologne evolves it turns warmer as it envelopes you with masculine notes of cedarwood and sandalwood.
Notes: Fresh Air Accord, Juniper, Lavender, Sensual Musk, Cedarwood, Sandalwood
Style: Fun. Masculine. Animalistic
Category: Fougere (Aromatic)
Made in the USA
buy it here

ANCHORMAN MUSTACHE AND WALLET SET

Anchorman Mustache & Bifold Wallet Set. Keep it classy world when you have this officially licensed Anchorman Mustache & Bifold Wallet Set. Brown bifold wallet features white screen printed lettering and comes complete with an officially Ron Burgundy mustache. Officially Licensed.
buy it here

T-SHIRTS, POSTERS, HATS and MORE from PARAMOUNT PICTURES


Of course, Paramount Pictures has their own slew of products. T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, messenger bags, water bottles, mobile phone cases, hats, stainless steel flasks and more bearing some of Ron Burgundy's most famous quotes from "I love lamp" to "Stay Classy San Diego"


Shop for the above items here

Hot Topic is another official partner with the movie and has a few items such as a talking pen, rubber bracelets and t-shirts:

buy the above items here

And of course, his biography, Let Me Off at the Top!: My Classy Life and Other Musings


TRIVIA:
The actual Ron Burgundy suit (below) from the original movie was auctioned and sold for a whopping $22,500 through liveauctioneers.com and was described as the following in the auction catalog:

WILL FERRELL “RON BURGUNDY” COSTUME FROM ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGUNDY - (DreamWorks, 2004) This is pompous but loveable newscaster Ron Burgundy’s (as played by Will Ferrell) signature suit from the movie Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. The costume consists of a bright red Polyester blazer, white button-down shirt and blue and white striped power tie. Faux-wood plastic buttons ornament the loud jacket on the front closure, cuffs and hip pockets. Matching red pants end in bellbottoms. A pair of stark, Pat Boone-white, stitched leather loafers with black rubber soles completes the ensemble. Will Ferrell wears this signature suit throughout the hilarious comedy and in key publicity and ad media. A rare and stunning signature costume from a favorite American comedy, endearing comic character and comedian.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues


With the ‘70s behind him, San Diego’s top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.” Also back for more are Ron’s co-anchor and wife, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), weather man Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), man on the street Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner) – all of whom won’t make it easy to stay classy… while taking New York and the nation’s first 24-hour news channel by storm. Produced by Judd Apatow, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. Written by Will Ferrell & Adam McKay. Directed by Adam McKay.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Official Site

images courtesy of Jockey, Riviera Imports, Paramount, Omni Consumer Products, and the other manufacturers listed in this post.