Philip Seymour Hoffman, 46, found dead in Manhattan apartment after apparent overdose

OSCAR-WINNING actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead of an apparent drug overdose - in the bathroom with a hypodermic needle still in his arm - inside his Manhattan home.

Bizarrely, the tragedy came just days after rumors of his death swept the inteet in a sick celebrity death hoax.

A personal assistant found Hoffman’s body in his apartment in the West Village neighbourhood of New York about 11.30am local time (3.30am AEDT), sources told the New York Post.

Heroin was found in the apartment and the star was fully clothed when found, law-enforcement sources said.

"It’s pretty apparent that it was an overdose," an official told The New York Times. “The syringe was in his arm.”

Date/Time: 2014:02:03 07:36:13

Cops are at the scene and are investigating, sources said.

Commanding presence ... Police are seen outside the home of Philip Seymour Hoffman in New York after the Oscar-winning actor was found dead in his apartment. He was 46. Picture: AP / Matt Rourke

Hoffman is survived by partner Mimi O'Donnell and their three children, son Cooper, 10, and daughters Tallulah, 7, and Willa, 5.

Family man ... Philip Seymour Hoffman holds his three year old daughter Tallulah as son Copper and partner Mimi O'Donnell hang out on Bondi beach. Picture: Big Pictures Source: Supplied

His family released a statement, saying: "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.”

Fans have also begun to leave flowers outside Hoffman's New York apartment.

Investigators wearing suits exit the building. pic.twitter.com/l8kvxMPWmL — Tony Merevick (@tonymerevick) February 2, 2014

Award winner ... Philip Seymour Hoffman had a celebrated career in film and on stage.

Hoffman, who won a Best Actor Oscar for the 2005 film Capote, spent 10 days in a detox facility for heroin use in May last year.

At the time, TMZ reported Hoffman had struggled with substance abuse in the past but kicked the habit for 23 years.

His relapse started with prescription pills and escalated to snorting heroin.

Oscar recipient ... Hoffman accepting his Oscar for his role in Capote. Picture: AP

Hoffman told TMZ the heroin use lasted about a week before he realised he needed help.

He had credited "a great group of friends and family" for helping him seek treatment.

Hoffman, best known recently for his role as Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, also starred in Moneyball, Doubt, Scent of a Woman and The Big Lebowski.

He was bo in New York State. He began his acting career in 1991, and the following year started to appear in films.

Star tu... Hoffman as Truman Capote in the 2005 film.

He had supporting roles in a number of critically-acclaimed movies throughout the 1990s, including Boogie Nights and Magnolia. His growing reputation as a character actor reached its peak with his award-winning 2005 portrayal of the US writer Truman Capote.

He also had a successful stage career, directing and appearing in a multiple Broadway productions, including a tu in 2012 in Death of a Salesman, for which he eaed a Tony award nomination.

In 2010 he directed the Sam Shepard play True West for the Sydney Theatre Company, at the invitation of directors Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton. During his Sydney stay he was a guest of businessman James Packer.

Last month, Hoffman appeared worse for wear at the Sundance Film Festival at a party for his movie God’s Pocket, witnesses told The Post.

He seemed “slightly disheveled and pasty” and initially declined interviews while his co-stars, Christina Hendricks and John Slattery, talked to the media, witnesses said.

Prodigious talent... Hoffman opposite Joaquin Phoenix in the 2012 movie, The Master. Picture: AP

A rep said at the time, “He needed a minute and didn’t feel like coming down yet.”

Later, Hoffman seemed more relaxed and agreed to do some interviews but would only talk about the movie. He was later spotted at another party chatting to actor Sam Rockwell.

Speaking at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards in central London, John Hurt - who starred with Seymour Hoffman in 2003 film Owning Mahowny - said: "It's a devastating loss. His contribution was massive."

Jeff Bridges posted his thoughts on his Facebook page.

Basketball fan... The actor at a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in 2010. Actor Matthew Modine is second from left. Picture: Kathy Willens/AP

"I'm so shocked, and so sad hearing of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death. I enjoyed playing with him on The Big Lebowski. He was such a wonderful guy, and so damn talented, a real treasure. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Frozen actor Josh Gad summed up the feelings of many on Twitter: "My heart is broken, my mind is racing. My idol has died and I am so confused and sad by this tragic loss. RIP"

"We lost one of the greats today," wrote Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul. "Philip Seymour Hoffman RIP my friend. You will be missed always and forever."

Comic veteran Steve Martin said he was "shocked" to lea of Hoffman's death. "If you missed him as Willy Loman, you missed a Willy Loman for all time," he tweeted.

Whoopi Goldberg also expressed her surprise on Twitter, saying she hoped it was a hoax. She also called him a "truly great actor".

"Such shocking & sad news," wrote Ricky Gervais. "RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman. One of the greatest actors of a generation and a sweet, funny & humble man."

Zach Braff called Hoffman "one of the greatest actors of our lifetime," while Rose McGowan described him as "a giant talent touched by fire".

Elijah Wood said he was "heartbroken and shocked" by the news. "What a true loss. rest in peace, Philip Seymour Hoffman."