Bob Hoskins passes away

Actor Bob Hoskins has passed away at the age of 71.  According to his agent (via Empire), Hoskins died of pneumonia in hospital on Tuesday. He had retired from acting in 2012 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  Hoskins had over 100 acting credits to his name, and his final on-screen performance was playing “Muir” in Snow White and the Huntsman. Hoskins career contained a diverse and rich collection of roles.  After starring in various TV series, Hoskins breakthrough role came in the 1980 crime drama The Long Good Friday. 

From there, he took on a diverse array of characters including turns in Brazil, The Cotton Club, Nixon, and Hook.  He actually ended up playing Captain Hook’s sidekick Smee not only in Hook but again in the unrelated Peter Pan adaptation, the TV miniseries Neverland. [Hit the jump to continue]

Bob Hoskins will most likely be remembered most for his performance as the grizzled P.I. Eddie Valiant in 1988′s Who Framed Roger Rabbit where he had the task of starring opposite cartoon characters, and having his character find the balance between being annoyed with their world and also being part of it.  The movie is celebrated for its groundbreaking visual effects, and it should be, but it would just be a demo reel without a strong story and Hoskins’ smart, grounded performance.

While I think his work in Roger Rabbit is terrific, my favorite Hoskins performance is his turn as a pathetic ex-con in Neil Jordan‘s 1986 drama Mona Lisa.  There’s so much sadness, anger, betrayal, and even deranged naivety in the role that makes the character absolutely captivating and heartbreaking.  Hoskins received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his performance.

Bob Hoskins is survived by his wife Linda, and his children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack.

[source: collider]