Sir Anthony Hopkins was such a fan of Philip Seymour Hoffman he asked Red Dragon director Brett Ratner if he could visit the set of the film on a day off - just so he could watch the star act.
In an essay for Entertainment Weekly, Ratner, who attended New York University with Hoffman, recalled what a wonderful experience it was working with the Capote star on the 2002 thriller.
The filmmaker also revealed that Hopkins also shared a fondness for the actor, who played journalist Freddy Lounds in the film.
"I got a call from Anthony Hopkins on his day off and he said, 'Can I come by the set?'" Ratner wrote.
"I was worried that something was wrong. He said, 'No. no. I just saw on the call sheet that Philip Seymour Hoffman was working and I'm such a big fan. I just want to come watch him work.'
"I told Philip afterwards, and he was very humbled and flattered."
Grieving the death of his long-time friend, Ratner watched one of his favourite Hoffman films, The Talented Mr Ripley.
"He had only a few scenes in that movie and everyone in that movie was so great, but I think he stole every scene he was in," Ratner added.
Hoffman died from a suspected heroin overdose on Sunday.