Shawn Pyfrom Addiction Revealed Following Philip Seymour Hoffman's Death

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Shawn Pyfrom of "Desperate Housewives" is speaking out about his own addiction in the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman's death by overdose this week.

Hoffman was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on Sunday morning after he failed to pick up his children from their mother's house. It is believed that the Oscar-winning actor died of a drug overdose, and reports indicate that several dozen empty bags and syringes were found in his home.

As the news rocked Hollywood, Pyfrom seized the opportunity to shed light on his own battle against addiction in a post to his Tumblr account.

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"I just read the news about Mr. Philip Seymour Hoffman, and against the advise (sic) of others I had to write this open letter. I can't stay quiet anymore about this," the 27-year-old actor penned.

Pyfrom portrayed Andrew Van de Kamp, the troubled son of Marcia Cross' character, on ABC's "Desperate Housewives." The actor went on to candidly admit that he is not only an alcoholic, but a drug addict.

"And yesterday I celebrated five months of sobriety," Pyfrom wrote in the blog post.

Conflicted as to whether or not to share such a personal account, the actor ultimately decided to share his words so that they would "encourage someone to hold on to their life… to keep from ever using, or to find the strength to stop."

"I want to express that I chose to share this about myself because I could not hear of another person being robbed of their life, due to addition; knowing that I stayed quiet about mine," he added, citing the great loss of Hoffman, but reminding readers that every death is a great loss.

Pyfrom recounted days when he only "lived for drugs" and alcohol without any confidence or love for himself, and that his road to sobriety has instilled them both. The actor hopes that his letter will serve readers with encouragement and strength ti get away from substance abuse, and signed off with "love."

As a result of the post, Pyfrom has received praise from his peers including Lucy Hale and Ashley Madekwe.

"you are brave & strong," Hale, who stars on "Pretty Little Liars, posted to Twitter on Sunday. "I admire your honesty, my friend."

"Brave boy," Madekwe added.