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Philip Seymour Hoffman funeral brings out somber stars

The private funeral for actor Philip Seymour Hoffman in New York on Friday attracted a host of top-notch screen stars including Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Cate Blanchett and Joaquin Phoenix.Directors Spike Lee and Joel Coen, as well as actors Ethan Hawke, Diane Keaton, Amy Adams, Maya Rudolph, Marisa Tomei, Louis C.K. and Anna Paquin, were also among those seen entering Manhattan's Church of
Image: Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams.Jason DeCrow / Today

The private funeral for actor Philip Seymour Hoffman in New York on Friday attracted a host of top-notch screen stars including Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Cate Blanchett and Joaquin Phoenix.

Directors Spike Lee and Joel Coen, as well as actors Ethan Hawke, Diane Keaton, Amy Adams, Maya Rudolph, Marisa Tomei, Louis C.K. and Anna Paquin, were also among those seen entering Manhattan's Church of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Hoffman's casket was carried into the church by black-clad pallbearers, and his former partner, Mimi O'Donnell, was photographed carrying the youngest of their three children. Hoffman was found dead in his apartment on Sunday of an apparent heroin overdose at age 46.

Image: Philip Seymour Hoffman funeral
Family members and guests look on as Philip Seymour Hoffman's casket arrives at the funeral service at St. Ignatius of Loyola in New York on Friday.D Dipasupil / Today
Image: Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams.Jason DeCrow / Today
Image: Spike Lee
Spike Lee.D Dipasupil / Today
Image: Ethan Hawke
Ethan Hawke.Mark Lennihan / Today
Image: Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton.Andrew Gombert / Today
Image: Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep.Andrew Gombert / Today
Image: Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett.Carlo Allegri / Today

Blanchett, who spoke at the funeral along with director Paul Thomas Anderson, braved the cold in a long black coat as the hearse bearing Hoffman's coffin pulled away from the church on Park Avenue. She declined to comment as tears streamed down her face, Reuters reported.

New York director and screenwriter Amos Poe said the funeral "was beautiful, just like Phil." 

Most of those who attended the funeral had personal ties to Hoffman, The Associated Press reported. He and Blanchett co-starred in "The Talented Mr. Ripley," and Hoffman starred in Lee's "The 25th Hour." Ellen Burstyn and Hoffman were in "Red Dragon," and Hawke co-starred with Hoffman in "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead." John Slattery directed Hoffman in his new film "God's Pocket," and Mike Nichols directed Hoffman on Broadway in "Death of a Salesman." Phoenix shared the screen with Hoffman in "The Master." 

Image: Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix.D Dipasupil / Today
Image: Amy Adams
Amy Adams.D Dipasupil / Today
Image: Anna Paquin
Anna Paquin.Andrew Gombert / Today
Image: David Bar Katz
Writer David Bar Katz, center, a friend of Philip Seymour Hoffman, found the actor's body.Mark Lennihan / Today
Image: Louis C.K.
Louis C.K.Alo Ceballos / Today
Image: John C. Reilly
John C. Reilly.Andrew Gombert / Today

Scores of photographers, camera crews and reporters stood on piles of snow in frigid temperatures across from the church while fans were kept behind a barricade.

"I saw him in 'Long Day's Journey Into Night' and I thought he showed real genius. I am here paying my respects," Mary Catherine Wright told Reuters. Wright, who lives nearby, stood bundled up with tears in her eyes.

"He is remembered by most people for his movie roles, but I think his theater performances were pretty remarkable," she added. 

Image: Mimi O'Donnell and children
Mimi O'Donnell, center, estranged partner of Philip Seymour Hoffman, watches with her children, from left, Willa, Tallulah and Cooper as Hoffman's casket is loaded into a waiting hearse after his funeral Friday in New York.Jason DeCrow / Today

A larger memorial service is being planned for later this month. On Thursday evening, family and close friends gathered for a private wake at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home in Manhattan.

— The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Philip Seymour Hoffman

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Philip Seymour Hoffman

Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his New York City apartment at the age of 46.