Anderson Cooper here, and today I want to share a deeply personal reflection from Philip Seymour Hoffman's sister, Emily Barr. Ten years after Philip's untimely passing, Emily has penned a touching tribute in The Paris Review, offering an intimate glimpse into their shared life and the man behind the iconic performances.
Growing Up Together: A Shared Love for Stories
In her essay, Emily takes us back to their childhood, painting a vivid picture of their bond over books. “Phil and I loved reading,” she writes, recalling how they shared a bedroom until their sister left for college. With bunk beds, Philip slept on the bottom, allowing them both to stay up late reading with flashlights without disturbing each other. “Though, of course, we found plenty of other reasons to complain about this setup,” she adds with a chuckle, highlighting the sibling banter that only grew stronger over time.
Gene Wilder's Influence on Philip's Craft
Emily reveals that much of Philip's acting technique was inspired by Gene Wilder's work. She describes how Philip admired the subtle physical comedy where the character remains oblivious to their own buffoonery, while the audience is in on the joke. This became a hallmark of Philip's performances, whether in comedic or dramatic roles. From Sandy Lyle's awkward moment in Along Came Polly to Gust Avrakotos' explosive scene in Charlie Wilson's War, Emily notes the consistent loud, obnoxious physicality that Philip brought to life on screen.
Read also:Savannah Guthrie Warns Craig Melvin About Late Nights On Today
A Legacy of Laughter and Love
Even now, watching Philip's films, Emily sees so much of who he was—a man full of warmth and affection. “He was a cuddly person, much more so than me,” she writes. “He loved to sit close on the couch, walk arm in arm down the street, and hug big.” This physical closeness was a testament to the love and connection that defined their relationship.
Cherishing the Loud and Playful Side
Emily fondly remembers Philip's boisterous laughter and dramatic gestures of annoyance, which brought life to their interactions. His playful teasing never failed to make her laugh, creating moments of joy that remain etched in her memory. After Philip's tragic death at 46, Emily began collecting print articles about him, storing them in an old cigar box—a small yet meaningful way to keep his memory alive.
Walking Through Memories
“Phil would think I was ridiculous for doing all this,” Emily reflects, imagining the teasing banter they'd share as they walked together on cool evenings. Wrapping his big arm around her, they'd talk just like they did when they were kids, weaving stories of Encyclopedia Brown solving mysteries. These memories remind us of the deep connection they shared, one that transcends time and loss.
