It’s sad and solemn when an older, favorite star dies, but we come to expect it. We all get older and pass from this existence.

It’s frustrating, even maddening, when anyone is cut down in their prime. With a writer or musician or actor in their prime, it’s a loss we all share.

News today that Philip Seymour Hoffman has died at age 46 – found dead in his New York City apartment, perhaps in a drug-related death – is especially tragic and frustrating.

Hoffman was an actor who had the kind of broad-based appeal that most actors would love. Appearing in cult films, high-quality prestige projects and box-office monsters, Hoffman was all over our screens.

I found myself surprised at just how long we’ve been enjoying him. He was in “Scent of a Woman” 22 years ago. “Twister” and “Boogie Nights” in the mid-90s. “Almost Famous” – as rock journalist Les Bangs – and “Capote.”

And of course he was a new addition to the “Hunger Games” movies, which are still in production. His death will mean decisions for the movie’s makers.

And a loss to all of us who were looking forward to more of Philip Seymour Hoffman on the big screen.