Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman had the ability to portray an array of characters, including an author, a former child actor and even a cult leader.

Before his death Sunday, he played no two roles the same.

Three films show how it was close to impossible for Hoffman to be typecasted.

“The Master”

In “The Master,” Hoffman plays Lancaster Dodd, a leader of a religious movement called “The Cause.” Hoffman’s character befriends an obnoxious World War II veteran (played by Joaquin Phoenix) who battles with alcoholism after returning home from the war.

Dodd is a charismatic, compelling and manipulative leader in this compelling drama.

“Along Came Polly”

In this comedy, Hoffman plays Sandy Lyle, a child star who struggles with normalcy as an adult. Hoffman portrays a hilarious character who takes over his community theater play to the other actors’ surprise.

One hilarious scene comes when Lyle and Reuben Feffer (Ben Stiller) play basketball. Every time Lyle shoots the ball, he shouts bizarre phrases like “let it rain,” “rain dance” and “white chocolate.” He misses all of the shots, making the scene all the more funny. Lyle is also the inventor of the word “shart.”

“Capote”

Hoffman won the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in this 2006 movie, in which he stars as Truman Capote. Capote is an author who conducts research for his book, “In Cold Blood,” with his friend, Harper Lee.

While doing his research, Capote grows close to prisoner Perry Smith, who has been arrested for murder. As Capote obsesses over the killer, he begins to feel bad for Smith’s inevitable death. Capote wants the perfect ending to his book, which is Smith dying, but still feels bad for the prisoner.

Hoffman’s voice work in “Capote” is incredible. He truly brings the author to life.