Will we ever forget him in Capote, Charlie Wilson’s War, or on stage in Death Of A Salesman?

He’s a gifted actor with the all too common defense against excess celebrity. It’s hard to put yourself out there for all of the world to see, chew and critique. In Hoffman’s case it was public adulation and praise for his work.

Easing the tension in a cloud of alcohol or drugs seems an easy answer. As Mr Hoffman discovered, it’s the wrong answer.

“To have the beginning of a truly great story, you need to have a character you’re completely and utterly obsessed with. Without obsession, to the point of a maddening addiction, there’s no point to continue. ” ― Jennifer Salaiz

Hoffman was obsessed with his characters and it showed in his riveting work. Hopefully rehab has put him on the road to recovery and a realization that “loving himself” is  the cure. We all have  demons. How we deal with them makes the difference between being good and being brilliant. Hoffman is brilliant.