In February 2014, the Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman died from an apparent heroin overdose. Hoffman was found dead in his apartment with a needle in his arm. He was 46. A year earlier, Hoffman played the part of Willy Loman, the disillusioned and empty salesman from the classic play Death of a Salesman.

In an interview with NPR, Hoffman said Willy Loman represents "The idea that you have a vision of what you're supposed to be, or going to be, or where your kids are going to be—and that that doesn't work out." The role had a very personal influence on Hoffman. He said, "It really seeps into why we're here. What are we doing, family, work, friends, hopes, dreams, careers, what's happiness, what's success, what does it mean, is it important, how do you get it … ultimately, what gets you up in the morning is to be loved." In the end, Hoffman said, the play is about our yearning to be loved.

Possible Preaching Angles: (1) Addiction—Hoffman's long struggle with addiction (he was sober for over 20 years before he relapsed) shows the deep spiritual bondage and agony produced by any form of addiction. (2) God, love of—Our universal search for the love that can only be found in Christ through God the Father. (3) Love for others—If we don't have love we are nothing. (4) Meaning of Life; Emptiness; Abundant life; Satisfaction—Although Hoffman seemed to have everything, in this quote he shows his hunger for true satisfaction.