Robert De Niro is "so saddened" by Philip Seymour Hoffman's death.
The legendary actor paid tribute to his Flawless co-star—who was found dead aged 46 of an apparent drugs overdose Sunday morning, February 2 (U.S. time)—describing him as "gifted" and a "wonderful" actor.
Robert said: "I'm very, very saddened by the passing of Phil.
"He was a wonderful actor. This is one of those times where you say, 'This just shouldn't be. He was so young and gifted and had so much going, so much to live for.'
"My family and I send our deepest condolences to his family."
De Niro was one of many of the actor's co-stars to express their sadness at his passing.
Jeff Bridges, who appeared alongside him in cult bowling movie The Big Lebowski, said: "I'm so shocked, and so sad hearing of Philip Seymour Hoffman's death.
"I enjoyed playing with him on The Big Lebowski. He was such a wonderful guy, and so damn talented, a real treasure.
"My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Ides of March actor George Clooney said: "There are no words. It's just terrible."
Tom Hanks, who appeared with Philip in Charlie Wilson's War praised the Oscar-winning actor's "giant talent."
He said in a statement: "This is a horrible day for those who worked with Philip. He was a giant talent. Our hearts are open for his family."
Gwyneth Paltrow shared a picture of herself, Philip, Jude Law, and a female friend in Italy after working on The Talented Mr. Ripley on her Instagram account.
She wrote alongside it: "Ischia 1998, post dinner, post shooting...Philip was a true genius. #philipseymourhoffman."Tributes have flooded in for Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Mia Farrow wrote on Twitter: "OH NO!!!!! Philip Seymour Hoffman has died. A truly kind, wonderful man and one of our greatest actors—ever."
Actress Andie MacDowell added: "Phillip Seymour Hoffman was not only a genius actor but a kind, generous man RIP."
Film director Kevin Smith was also upset by the news, writing: "This truly blows. PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN has died ... First noticed him in SCENT OF A WOMAN. Brilliant actor. So sad..."
Elijah Wood wrote: "Heartbroken and shocked. what a true loss. rest in peace, Philip Seymour Hoffman"
Comedy actor Jim Carrey added: "Dear Philip, a beautiful beautiful soul. For the most sensitive among us the noise can be too much. Bless your heart."
Philip was highly regarded by actors, directors, and audiences.
He brought a very distinctive presence to the roles he played in films, including Doubt, Synecdoche, New York, Red Dragon, Almost Famous, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and Capote—for which he won the Best Actor Oscar in 2005.
Philip was last seen on the big screen as Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and he had been working on a new comedy-drama TV series, Happyish at the time of his passing.
At the time of his passing, the Oscar-winning star was completing filming on The Hunger Games, Mockingjay: Part 2, with a source telling UsMagazine.com he had just seven days of shooting left to go.
Studio Lionsgate released a statement about his passing, saying: "Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation. We're very fortunate that he graced our Hunger Games family. Losing him in his prime is a tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Philip's family."
Philip had struggled with drink and drug problems early in his career before becoming sober for 23 years.
He relapsed in 2012 and was admitted to rehab in May 2013 after he started using heroin again.
It is believed empty bags of the type used to carry heroin were found near where Philip died, in the bathroom of his house.
Philip is survived by his partner, costume designer Mimi O'Donnell, and their three children: Tallulah, seven; Cooper, ten; and Willa, five.
A statement from the actor's family read: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone. 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."