British actor Bob Hoskins, best known for his starring role as Eddie Valiant in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” died Tuesday of pneumonia, TheWrap has confirmed. He was 71.
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The versatile actor was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in 1986 drama “Mona Lisa.”
Hoskins’ portrayal of an ex-con netted him the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama.
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His biggest hit came two years later in the blockbuster 1988 comedy “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” where Hoskins played the hard-nosed private investigator Eddie Valiant.
He continued to make successful star turns in other family comedies including Mr. Smee in “Hook,” and as the eponymous video game character in “Super Mario Brothers.”
Hoskins retired from acting in 2012 after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
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“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,” said 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.”
Helen Mirren also released a statement paying her respects to the beloved actor.
“Bob was a great actor and an even greater man,” she wrote. “Funny, loyal, instinctive, hard working, with that inimitable energy that seemed like a spectacular firework rocket just as it takes off. When I worked with him on his iconic film, the ‘Long Good Friday,’ he was supportive and unegotistic. He was never sexist, when many around at that time, were. I had the honor of watching the creation of one of the most memorable characters of British film.”
Tony Maglio contributed to this report