Philip Seymour Hoffman Found Dead in NYC Apartment of Apparent Drug Overdose

Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his New York City apartment Sunday, killed by an apparent overdose on heroin.

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone," a statement from Hoffman's family reads. "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."

The Oscar-winning actor and father of three was 46 years old.

Hoffman was open about his drug addiction, which he said largely took root after he graduated from New York University in 1989.

"It was all that drugs and alcohol, yeah," he told 60 Minutes in 2006. "It was anything that I could get my hands on... I liked it all."

In May of last year, Hoffman revealed that he had checked himself into rehab after relapsing more than 20 years after having kicked the habit, TMZ reported at the time.

Neighbors who saw Hoffman the day before his death said the actor seemed to be doing well.

"He looked like he had just come from California or Florida, he was looking really good," 74-year-old Avri Ohana, who lives down the block, told New York Daily News.

The passing has been met with an outpouring of respect and sadness from Hollywood as well as fans.

"Philip Seymour Hoffman was one of our generation's finest and most brilliant actors. He was also a gifted comedic talent. It was a great privilege and pleasure to work with him and we are all absolutely devastated by this sudden loss. Our thoughts go out to his family at this very difficult time," Showtime said in a statement.

Russell Brand, who has also been open about his addictions, responded to the event on Twitter:

"Love and prayers for Philip Seymour Hoffman's family. Addiction kills, I hope all who need it have access to abstinence based recovery."