Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was discovered dead on Sunday of an apparent overdose in his New York home, had been filming in Atlanta recently.
The actor, widely acclaimed for his work on the stage as well as on the screen, played the clever Plutarch Heavensbee in “Catching Fire,” the blockbuster sequel to “The Hunger Games.” He had returned for “Mockingjay,” the next in the series. “Mockingjay” has been filming in downtown Atlanta and was scheduled to continue this week.
Hoffman enjoyed Atlanta, especially Piedmont Park, said local real estate agent Carter Phillips, who negotiated the lease for Hoffman’s temporary Atlanta address. The actor, who leased a private home in Midtown, was due to keep the Atlanta accommodations until early April, Phillips said.
“He was really soft spoken and kind,” Phillips said. “I had this idea that he would be really intense, maybe, but no. I couldn’t see any turmoil in his eyes. I felt like everything was right on with him.”
In “Catching Fire,” Hoffman’s character appeared in scenes filmed in recognizable local spots including Buckhead’s historic Swan House. He was spotted in numerous Atlanta locations in his downtime, too. A few months ago he dined at the Atlanta Fish Market, where he happily posed for photos with the manager and hostess. In September 2012, he and “Hunger Games” series star Jennifer Lawrence and some of their fellow cast members dined at Lure.
Although Hoffman had spent time in rehab, he seemed committed to a healthy lifestyle, Phillips said.
“He loved to be near (Piedmont Park),” Phillips said. “He loved to ride his bike in the park. He wanted to enjoy the outdoors.”
The two checked out properties in the area on foot.
“One time we were walking casually and two joggers ran by,” Phillips said. “They turned around and went, ‘We loved your movie ‘The Master!’ and, they just kept running.”
Hoffman chuckled and just kept walking.
“He seemed like a very content guy,” Phillips said. “He was very sure of his accomplishments but he didn’t seem like he had a big head. We talked about his upcoming film projects. He was excited about that. He had a lot going on.”
When he heard the sad news Sunday, Phillips was hoping it was another Internet prank.
“I saw it online and thought it was a hoax, I hoped it was,” he said. “We’ve been robbed. He is a real loss. Forty-six? Nobody should die at that age.”
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