Actor Profile: Philip Seymour Hoffman

Long before he won an Academy Award, Philip Seymour Hoffman was stealing scenes in Scent of a Woman, Boogie Nights, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and Almost Famous. In my opinion, Philip Seymour Hoffman is the best character actor of his generation. He has the ability to completely transform himself and take on the distinct personalities of the many diverse characters he has portrayed on screen. His range is broad and his acting is flawless. Philip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal of Truman Capote was the feather in his cap that earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor in the movie Capote. Looking back on his career, his brilliance on screen was a good indicator that he would one day win an Oscar. With his youth and talent, I believe Philip Seymour Hoffman will win a few more Academy Awards before his acting career is over.

Philip Seymour Hoffman was born in Fairport, New York and graduated from New York University with a degree in drama. The thirty nine year old actor has appeared in many films and Broadway plays since he graduated from NYU. His work on Broadway earned him two Tony nominations for Best Actor, although he did not win an award. Philip Seymour Hoffman struggled to find work early in his career. Not only could he not find acting jobs, but he was also fired as a waiter and a lifeguard. In fact, he was working as a deli clerk in a grocery store when he finally landed his breakthrough role in Scent of a Woman.

In Scent of a Woman, Philip Seymour Hoffman played an arrogant, obnoxious, boarding school snob who looks down his nose at Chris O'Donell's character. He nailed the role and was excellent as the character you love to hate in the movie. His success in Scent of a Woman secured him steady acting work and he was able to bid adieu to all those restaurant jobs.