Elizabeth Banks Shocked Over Philip Seymour Hoffman's Death, 'Will Miss Him Terribly'
Elizabeth Banks appeared on "The Today Show" on Wednesday, Feb. 5 where she revealed her reaction to the death of her "Hunger Games" co-star, Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Hoffman, 46, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on Sunday, Feb. 2 after what appeared to be a drug-related death. The Oscar winner's sudden death has rocked the entertainment industry and sent countless celebrities into mourning, including the "Hunger Games" cast.
"I'm still processing it," Banks said while on the "Today" show. "I really am in shock."
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Hoffman portrayed gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee alongside Banks' character, Effie Trinkett, in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." The actors will also both appear in "The Hunger Games" sequel, "Mockingjay Part 1," which Hoffman was just seven days short of completing before his death.
"He is an absolutely amazing actor, respected by everyone and part of our family at 'The Hunger Games,'" Banks added. "We will miss him terribly, and obviously [we're] really upset for his children and his partner. It's just a tragedy."
It was previously reported that, while Hoffman was one week away from completing shooting scenes for "Mockingjay Part 1," the actor will appear in the film, and that it will still be released on Nov. 21.
Meanwhile, many of Hoffman's "Hunger Games" co-stars also sounded off on their grief following his death, including Jennifer Lawrence who portrays Katniss Everdeen in the film franchise.
"Words cannot convey the devastating loss we are all feeling right now," a statement read on behalf of Lawrence, director Francis Lawrence, and "Hunger Games" author Suzanne Collins and other members of the cast. "Philip was a wonderful person and an exceptional talent, and our hearts are breaking. Our deepest condolences go out to his family."
Actors in Hollywood flooded social media with messages of grief, along with several others who released their own statements, such as Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Julianne Moore. Hoffman leaves behind his longtime girlfriend Mimi O'Donnell as well as their three children.
