Already have an account?
Get back to the

Bob Hoskins Dies: Who Framed Roger Rabbit Star Dead at 71

Bob Hoskins at the Moet British Independent Film Awards on Dec. 5
Bob Hoskins, the actor best known for his role in Who Framed Roger Rabbit has died at 71 following a bout with pneumonia.

Bob Hoskins, the actor best known for his role in 1988 cult classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit, died Tuesday, April 29, his agent Clair Dobbs told NBC News. The British actor was 71.

Related: PHOTOS: Stars we've lost recently

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Bob. Bob died peacefully at the hospital last night surrounded by family, following a bout of Pneumonia," it said in a statement released by Hoskins' family. "We ask that you respect our privacy during this time and thank you for your messages of love and support."

Related: PHOTOS: '80s hunks -- then and now

Hoskins, one of Britain's most beloved actors, enjoyed a career that spanned more than 30 years. The Golden Globe winner was well-known for tackling roles as gangsters and Cockneys in movies like The Long Good Friday (1980), Brazil (1985), and Mona Lisa (1986). Hoskins was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1987 for his role in the latter movie, a crime drama in which he starred opposite Robbie Coltrane and Sir Michael Caine.

Related: PHOTOS: Hot Brits

He went on to find fame as private detective Eddie Valiant in 1993 cult classic, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and went on to star in Super Mario Bros. Hoskins told the Guardian in a 2007 that his role as Mario Mario in Mario Bros was "the worst thing I ever did."

"It was Bob’s honesty and the truth of his performance that made the animated characters believable, and that was a testament to his immense talent," said Roger Rabbit director Robert Zemeckis.

Related: PHOTOS: Stars as super heroes

In August 2012, Hoskins released a statement announcing his retirement from the film industry after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The actor thanked his fans and recalled his "wonderful career."

He is survived by his wife, Linda Banwell, and four children Alex, Sarah, Rosa, and Jack.

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!