Bob Hoskins dies of pneumonia aged 71

I remember rushing home from business meetings and talks to watch Hoskins in Pennies From Heaven. He was one of my favourite actors.  

The following is from BBC News online:

Who Framed Roger Rabbit helped propel Bob Hoskins to Hollywood stardom

British actor Bob Hoskins, who was best known for roles in The Long Good Friday and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, has died of pneumonia at the age of 71.

Hoskins' agent said he died on Tuesday in hospital, surrounded by family.

The star won a Bafta and was Oscar nominated in 1987 for crime drama Mona Lisa, in which he starred opposite Sir Michael Caine and Robbie Coltrane.

He announced he was retiring from acting in 2012 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Bob," the actor's wife Linda and children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack said in a statement.

"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."

Actor Sir Michael Caine, who starred with him in the films Mona Lisa and Last Orders, said: "He was one of the nicest and best actors I have ever worked with".

Hoskins appeared in Shane Meadows' 1999 comedy drama A Room for Romeo Brass

 

Made in Dagenham was one of Hoskins' final film roles in 2010

 

Hoskins, who was born in Suffolk but grew up in London, started out on the stage before embarking on a television and film career.

On the small screen, he appeared in shows such as Play for Today, On the Move, Van der Valk and BBC drama The Street.

On film, his credits also included Mermaids, Hook, Mrs Henderson Presents and Made in Dagenham.
His last film role was as one of the dwarves in 2012's Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Kristen Stewart.

Dame Judi Dench, who starred opposite Hoskins in Mrs Henderson Presents, told the BBC News website: "I'm so very sorry to hear this news, and am thinking of his family at this sad time."
Hoskins was Bafta nominated twice prior to his Mona Lisa win, for The Honorary Consul in 1984 and The Long Good Friday in 1982.

He was also nominated for a television Bafta for his role in Dennis Potter's BBC musical drama, Pennies from Heaven.

Hoskins was nominated for a TV Bafta for his role in Dennis Potter's BBC musical drama, Pennies from Heaven

Hoskins appeared in BBC drama The Street, for which he won an International Emmy award

 

UK film critic Jason Solomons called The Long Good Friday "a great Londoner's movie".
"London ran through him like a stick of rock," he added.

Tributes to the actor have appeared swiftly on Twitter, with Bafta saying it was "deeply saddened" to learn of his death.

Actress Vicky McClure, who worked with Hoskins on Shane Meadows' 1999 film A Room for Romeo Brass: "He was one of the best. I feel honoured to have met & worked with him."

Sherlock creator and actor Mark Gatiss, who appeared as Rat opposite Hoskins' Badger in a 2006 adaptation of The Wind in the Willows, tweeted a picture  of the two together, praising Hoskins as "a true gent and an inspiration".

Stephen Fry added: "That's awful news. The Long Good Friday [is] one of the best British movies of the modern era. A marvellous man."
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