Patrick Fugit Says Acting with Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Almost Famous” ‘Made Me Much Better’ (Exclusive)

Patrick Fugit Reflects on Acting Alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Almost Famous” to PEOPLE

Patrick Fugit, widely known for his role in the 2000 film “Almost Famous,” recently recounted his experience working with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Hoffman, who sadly passed away in 2014, portrayed the character of music journalist and critic Lester Bangs in the movie.

Fugit, now 42, delved into the impact of sharing the screen with Hoffman, expressing how the interaction between their characters brought newfound depth and authenticity to their scenes. He highlighted Hoffman’s organic approach and profound portrayal that significantly elevated their on-screen performances, making him “much better” in those moments.

The ensemble cast of “Almost Famous” featured notable actors like Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, and Billy Crudup alongside Fugit. As the movie celebrates its 25th anniversary, Fugit reminisced about the significant influence Hoffman had on his interpretation of his character during filming.

The movie, set against the backdrop of the vibrant rock ‘n’ roll scene in 1973, also marked a pivotal moment in Fugit’s own career journey. His portrayal of a teenage music journalist embarking on a transformative journey with a rock band earned him his first screen acting credit, setting the stage for a prolific career in the film industry.

Reflecting on his interactions with the cast, Fugit shared that while he had the opportunity to rehearse extensively with his co-stars, his first encounter with Hoffman only transpired on set. He praised Hoffman’s dedication, professionalism, and intensity, lauding how the late actor’s approach heightened the quality of their on-screen chemistry.

Despite his initial nerves, Fugit attested to the transformative impact of working alongside Hoffman, describing the experience as transformative and enriching. Hoffman’s nuanced performance and deep engagement during filming demanded an elevated level of performance from Fugit, ultimately leading to a more profound on-screen dynamic.

Having amassed over 30 acting credits since his breakthrough role in “Almost Famous,” Fugit continues to explore diverse roles in films such as “Saved!,” “We Bought a Zoo,” “Gone Girl,” and “First Man.” While revisiting the movie, Fugit acknowledged his growth as an actor since his debut, recognizing moments where he relied on intuition and past performance experiences.

As Fugit revisited memories from the set of “Almost Famous,” he candidly reflected on his evolution as an actor and the invaluable lessons learned from his collaboration with Hoffman. The enduring impact of their on-screen partnership serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of artistry and shared creativity in the world of cinema.