DORSET has paid tribute to actor Philip Seymour Hoffman who starred in Portland’s hit movie The Boat That Rocked.

The 46-year-old died from an ‘apparent drug overdose’ in his New York City apartment on Sunday, an NYPD spokesman said.

He was found dead in his bathroom in the city’s Greenwich Village area at 11.30am local time.

Dorset residents have paid their respects to the father-of-three who has been described as ‘one of the greatest actors of a generation’.

Awarded a best actor Oscar for his role in the 2005 film Capote, Seymour Hoffman checked into rehab in May for heroin use.

Many locals got to know Seymour Hoffman when he stayed in the area while filming for Richard Curtis’s The Boat That Rocked that took place around Portland and Lyme Regis in 2008.

He played The Count in the hit film, which also included Rhys Ifans and Bill Nighy.

Elysia Munday,  film extra and former Weymouth carnival queen, spoke of the hours the actor spent talking to the cast and crew.

She said: “I am still in shock to hear of Philip’s death. It is truly sad news. I spoke to him many times on the film set and he was a friendly, approachable man who had time for everyone.

“He would spend hours talking to all of the extras and asking us questions.

“Philip was one of the nicest actors I have ever met as well as being an extremely talented actor. I have always been a great fan of his work.”

Jacqui Gisborne, former communications manager for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, worked with Southwest Screen to secure a suitable location in Portland Harbour and Portland Port to shoot the movie.

She told the Echo that the Seymour Hoffman was an ‘amazing, versatile actor’, who enjoyed his stay in Weymouth and Portland.

She said: “I was lucky enough to be an extra in the film and went out on the boat with all the cast and crew.

“They lived and worked as our local community for weeks and they were all fantastic people, including Philip Seymour Hoffman.”

Stars from around the globe have paid their respects to Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Ricky Gervais wrote: “"Such shocking & sad news. RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman. One of the greatest actors of a generation and a sweet, funny & humble man."

The late actor is survived by his partner Mimi O'Donnell, and their three children.