Bob Hoskins, the Oscar-nominated star of memorable films like The Long Good Friday, Mona Lisa and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, has died at the age of 71.
The British actor’s death was confirmed by his agent earlier today after he succumbed to pneumonia. His family were by his side when he passed. He had retired from acting a couple of years ago after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
His wife Linda and his children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack issued a joint statement about his passing:
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Bob. Bob died peacefully at hospital last night surrounded by family, following a bout of pneumonia. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time and thank you for your messages of love and support.”
Born in 1942, the cockney-speaking actor initially started his acting career on stage before moving into television roles in the early 1970s. It was his role as Dodds in Thick as Thieves (1974) that caught the attention of audiences before he landed his first BAFTA nomination for his performance as Arthur Parker in the musical drama Pennies from Heaven (1978).
But it was his film work that he would be admired for most as he produced a gritty, award-nominated turn as shady crime boss Harold Shand in the acclaimed British thriller The Long Good Friday (1980). He then followed that up with a role in Terry Gillan’s fantasy hit Brazil (1985).
After then playing Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in the television biopic Mussolini & I (1985), Hoskins went on to receive the sole Oscar nomination of his prestige career for his role as former criminal turned hardman anti-hero George in Neil Jordan’s brilliant thriller Mona Lisa (1986). However he lost out on the award to Hollywood legend Paul Newman (for The Colour of Money) though he did at least win the Golden Globe and BAFTA.
Hoskins also earned a strong reputation for starring in family-aimed films which included his iconic role as detective Eddie Valiant in the Disney hit Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988). He would also star as Captain Hook’s right hand man Smee in Steven Spielberg’s Hook (1991), a character he would later reprise in the two part prequel Neverland (2011).
The 90s proved somewhat underwhelming for him although he continued to deliver solid turns in Mermaids (1990), Nixon (1995) and A Room for Romeo Brass (1999). However he had the grave misfortune of playing one of the Mario Brothers in the much-ridiculed flop Super Mario Bros. (1993) as well as making a cameo appearance in Spice World (1997).
The noughties was also flawed with roles in critically-derided films like Maid in Manhattan (2003), Son of the Mask (2005), Unleashed (2005), Outlaw (2007) and Doomsday (2008). However he still produced fine work in Enemy at the Gates (2001), Mrs Henderson Presents (2005) and Made in Dagenham (2010).
He also juggled his film career with later television roles in The Lost World (2001), Wind in the Willows (2006) and The Street (2007), the latter of which won him an International Emmy award.
His final ever screen role came in 2012 when he played one of the seven dwarfs in the fantasy adventure Snow White and the Huntsman. He then announced his retirement from acting following his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Many former co-stars have paid tribute to him including Dames Judi Dench and Helen Mirren and Sir Michael Caine.
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