'ROGER RABBIT' STAR BOB HOSKINS RETIRES FROM ACTING DUE TO PARKINSONS

August 9, 2012, 10:01 am Mike Krumboltz

Bob Hoskins -- best known for his work in 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' -- announced his retirement from acting. Hoskins's agent confirmed that the actor is suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Related Video: Watch Bob Hoskins in 'Snow White and the Huntsman'


"Bob Hoskins wishes to announce that he will be retiring from acting, following his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease last autumn. He wishes to thank all the great and brilliant people he has worked with over the years, and all of his fans who have supported him during a wonderful career. Bob is now looking forward to his retirement with his family, and would greatly appreciate that his privacy be respected at this time."

Bob Hoskins in 1988's 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' Credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Hoskins, 69, has starred in dozens of films during his career. In addition to the 1988 smash hit 'Roger Rabbit', in which he played washed-up private detective Eddie Valiant, Hoskins has starred in Steven Spielberg's 'Hook', the cult classic 'Brazil', and 'Mermaids' opposite Cher and Winona Ryder.

In a 2009 interview with the U.K'.s Telegraph, Hoskins spoke about his experiences on 'Roger Rabbit'. Though it became his best-known film, the making of it wasn't easy. "I think I went a bit mad while working on that. Lost my mind. The voice of the rabbit was there just behind the camera all the time...My daughter, when I came back from filming in San Francisco, she said 'Dad, slow down, slow down. You're going barmy, mate.' And I was."

Hoskins with wife Linda at the British Independent Film Awards in 2010. Credit: Getty Images

He fell into acting by accident. In a 2006 interview, Hoskins explained that he accompanied a friend to an audition. Hoskins said he'd wait for his buddy in the bar next door. But then the casting director came and got Hoskins (who had had a few pints by then), and Hoskins auditioned and got the lead. An agent saw the audition and told him to take it up professionally. Fortunately, Hoskins listened.

In 1987, Hoskins was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his work in 'Mona Lisa', a crime thriller directed by Neil Jordan. Hoskins lost out to Paul Newman, who won for 'The Color of Money'. Hoskins also appeared in the poorly received 'Super Mario Brothers' movie. And yes, he hated the movie as much as viewers did. Last year, when asked by the U.K.'s Guardian to name the worst job he'd ever done, Hoskins answered, 'Super Mario Brothers'. And, when asked what he would edit from his past if given the chance, Hoskins answered, "I wouldn't do Super Mario Brothers."

Hoskins most recent work was playing dwarf Muir in 'Snow White and the Huntsman' alongside Chris Hemsworth and Kristen Stewart.

Mike Krumboltz writes for Yahoo! Movies

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5 Comments

  1. manda11:44am Thursday 09th August 2012 ESTReport Abuse

    All the best Bob! Thank you for the movies you gave us

    Reply
  2. John says11:26am Thursday 09th August 2012 ESTReport Abuse

    There goes a superb entertainer and professional in every way imaginable. Parkinsons, I truly hope and pray they come up with a cure ... thank you Bob for brining some wonderful light into our iives when we needed it most. On behalf of your loving fans I wish you a safe and happy retirement.

    Reply
  3. THOMAS10:48am Thursday 09th August 2012 ESTReport Abuse

    Retirements not all that bad Bob i sit on my back porch shooting Eagles that keep attacking my chickens...?

    Reply
  4. Tony10:36am Thursday 09th August 2012 ESTReport Abuse

    Bob's finest role was actually on TV, starring in Dennis Potter's brilliant "Pennies From Heaven".

    Reply
  5. Mick D10:32am Thursday 09th August 2012 ESTReport Abuse

    BUMMER! Very sad to hear that Biob! Have a happy retirement...all the best from all your fanms!

    Reply

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