The number of thoughtful tributes and articles about the tragic passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman is a veritable testament to the huge loss the public feels—let alone that of his colleagues, friends and family. Tom Junod of Esquire explains the character actor’s impact and the reason we all—as complete strangers—felt connected to him. One of Hoffman’s many talents was bringing to life characters that were so real and flawed they were at once brilliant, familiar and heartbreaking. As Junod says, “He held up a mirror to those who could barely stand to look at themselves and invited us not only to take a peek but to see someone we recognized.”
Farewell, Philip Seymour Hoffman