Hoffman family 'devastated' by actor's NYC death

Associated Press
FILE - This Nov. 18, 2013 file photo shows Philip Seymour Hoffman at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" at Nokia Theatre LA Live. Police say Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his New York City apartment Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. He was 46. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — The family of Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman says his death is "a tragic and sudden loss."

The 46-year-old actor was found dead Sunday in his New York City apartment.

In a statement, the family said the "outpouring of love and support" was appreciated. They asked people to respect their privacy.

Hoffman made his career mostly as a character actor, and he was one of the most prolific in the business.

The stage-trained actor's rumpled naturalism made him one of the most admired performers of his generation. He was nominated for Academy Awards four times and won the Oscar for best actor in 2006 for his portrayal of writer Truman Capote in "Capote."

He leaves behind his partner of 15 years, Mimi O'Donnell, and their three children.