TV and film star Bob Hoskins dies, aged 71

The much-loved British star of film and TV Bob Hoskins has died at the age of 71.

His agent said he died on Tuesday in hospital, surrounded by family. He is survived by wife Linda and children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack.

The family said in a statement: "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.

"We ask that you respect our privacy during this time and thank you for your messages of love and support."

The star of films such as The Long Good Friday, Mona Lisa, Made in Dagenham, Brazil and Who Killed Roger Rabbit? and classic TV series Pennies From Heaven retired from acting in 2012 after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Mr Hoskins earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination in 1987 for his performance in Mona Lisa, a role that won him Golden Globe and BAFTA awards.

Stars have been quick to pay tribute to him. Stephen Fry tweeted: "Oh no, Bob Hoskins. Gone? That’s awful news. The Long Good Friday one of the best British movies of the modern era. A marvellous man."

Inspector George Gently star Lee Ingleby said: "Deeply saddened at the news of Bob Hoskins. I had the honour and pleasure of working with him."

Click here for photos of Bob Hoskins' life and career.

 

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.