Philip Seymour Hoffman's Sister Pens Heartfelt Tribute on 10th Anniversary of His Death

Emily Barr, the younger sister of the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, has written a touching tribute to her brother on the 10th anniversary of his passing. In an essay published in The Paris Review, Barr reminisced about their close bond and Hoffman's affectionate nature.

Barr described Hoffman as a "cuddly person" who cherished physical closeness, such as sitting close on the couch, walking arm-in-arm, and giving big hugs. She noted that the "loud parts" he had on screen reflected his jolly personality in real life. Barr also revealed that Hoffman secretly based his physical and emotional comedy on the acting of Gene Wilder, one of his big-screen heroes.

In the essay, Barr recalled fond memories of visiting the library with her brother and his love for mystery books and movies, particularly the "Encyclopedia Brown" series and "The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother" starring Gene Wilder. She highlighted how Hoffman's acting technique was influenced by Wilder's physical comedy.

Despite his larger-than-life presence, Barr emphasized that Hoffman was also capable of being immensely subtle on screen, as demonstrated in his roles in films like "The Savages", "The Talented Mr Ripley", and "Capote". She described him as a private person who struggled with drug addiction, first getting hooked on drugs in university and going through multiple stints in rehab before his accidental overdose in 2014 at the age of 46.

Why this matters: Philip Seymour Hoffman was a highly acclaimed actor known for his versatile roles and powerful performances. His untimely death in 2014 shocked the entertainment industry and his fans worldwide. The heartfelt tribute by his sister offers a rare glimpse into the personal life and affectionate nature of the late actor, shedding light on the close bond they shared.

Barr's essay serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact Hoffman had on those closest to him. She ended the tribute by imagining how Hoffman might have reacted to her plan to save magazine clippings about him to preserve his memory, reflecting on her way of coping with the grief after his tragic death. The essay provides a touching look at the man behind the acclaimed actor, highlighting his love for his family and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

Key Takeaways

• Emily Barr, Philip Seymour Hoffman's sister, wrote a tribute on 10th anniversary of his death.
• Hoffman was a "cuddly person" who cherished physical closeness, based on Barr's memories.
• Hoffman secretly based his comedy on actor Gene Wilder, one of his big-screen heroes.
• Hoffman struggled with drug addiction and died of accidental overdose in 2014 at age 46.
• Barr's tribute offers a personal look at the acclaimed actor and his lasting legacy.