Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease [UPDATE: Dies at 71]
#1
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Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease [UPDATE: Dies at 71]
Bob Hoskins, who has announced his retirement following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Photograph: Sarah Lee for the Guardian
Bob Hoskins is to retire from acting following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease last autumn, it was announced on Wednesday. A statement issued on his behalf said: "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."
Hoskins, one of Britain's best-loved actors, known for his gruff bonhomie, has been working for more than 30 years. He first found fame on the small screen in Dennis Potter's Pennies from Heaven, and then in cinemas as a London gangster-turned-businessman in The Long Good Friday (1980).
Hoskins had leading roles in Brazil (1985), Mona Lisa (1986), Mermaids (1990), Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1992) and Super Mario Bros (1993) – which he described in a recent Guardian interview as "the worst thing I ever did".
Many will know him best for a series of adverts shot in the late 80s and early 90s for BT with his catchphrase, "It's good to talk". He teamed up with Shane Meadows for Twenty Four Seven (1997) and A Room for Romeo Brass (2000), and winning much acclaim for his role in Atom Egoyan's Felicia's Journey (1999).
Most recently, Hoskins was seen in Made in Dagenham, Snow White and the Huntsman and Outside Bet. On the set of that film, about the Wapping newspaper dispute in the mid-80s, Hoskins told the Guardian's Patrick Barkham why he kept on working: "There's always someone who rings up and says: 'Now Bob, before you go, there's a cracking little swansong for you.'"
Bob Hoskins is to retire from acting following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease last autumn, it was announced on Wednesday. A statement issued on his behalf said: "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."
Hoskins, one of Britain's best-loved actors, known for his gruff bonhomie, has been working for more than 30 years. He first found fame on the small screen in Dennis Potter's Pennies from Heaven, and then in cinemas as a London gangster-turned-businessman in The Long Good Friday (1980).
Hoskins had leading roles in Brazil (1985), Mona Lisa (1986), Mermaids (1990), Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1992) and Super Mario Bros (1993) – which he described in a recent Guardian interview as "the worst thing I ever did".
Many will know him best for a series of adverts shot in the late 80s and early 90s for BT with his catchphrase, "It's good to talk". He teamed up with Shane Meadows for Twenty Four Seven (1997) and A Room for Romeo Brass (2000), and winning much acclaim for his role in Atom Egoyan's Felicia's Journey (1999).
Most recently, Hoskins was seen in Made in Dagenham, Snow White and the Huntsman and Outside Bet. On the set of that film, about the Wapping newspaper dispute in the mid-80s, Hoskins told the Guardian's Patrick Barkham why he kept on working: "There's always someone who rings up and says: 'Now Bob, before you go, there's a cracking little swansong for you.'"
Sad news
#5
Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
Very sad indeed.
Some favorites :
Mona Lisa
Brazil
Felicia's Journey
The Long Good Friday
The Wall
A Prayer for the Dying
The Cotton Club
Nixon
Some favorites :
Mona Lisa
Brazil
Felicia's Journey
The Long Good Friday
The Wall
A Prayer for the Dying
The Cotton Club
Nixon
#6
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
That sucks He's had a great career but man what a terrible thing to have to deal with in retirement.
#7
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Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
Sucks.
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Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
That really sucks, a great talent.
But I think calling his role in Brazil "leading" is a little off. Wasn't he only in two scenes?
But I think calling his role in Brazil "leading" is a little off. Wasn't he only in two scenes?
#11
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
I feel as if I've seen Hoskins in lots of things, but in checking his filmography, I've only seen six of his movies, and I don't remember him much in two of them. I definitely need to catch up on the Bob Hoskins ouvre.
I will say that he was excellent in a supporting role in Made in Dagenham, the scene where he
is a standout, and maybe the most moving scene in the film.
Reboot and/or prequel!
I will say that he was excellent in a supporting role in Made in Dagenham, the scene where he
Spoiler:
Reboot and/or prequel!
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Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
That does suck on many levels. I've always enjoyed his work (and had a soft spot for his Mario too). It's too bad feet were dragged on a Roger Rabbit sequel. At least with his announcement he can hear how much people appreciated his work without having to have actually died or anything. It's been hard watching Michael J. Fox deal with Parkinson's so I can see why he'd want to retire and ask for privacy.
#16
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
I've always liked Hoskins. As a kid I loved him as Mario and from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? In the last few years I got around to seeing The Long Good Friday and he's fantastic in that.
#17
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
Hoskins did an amazing portrayal of Iago in a BBC telecast production of Othello. He played opposite Anthony Hopkins (in blackface for Othello) and outshone him. If you like Shakespeare, you should see this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Dramatic-Works.../dp/B00161HSES
http://www.amazon.com/Dramatic-Works.../dp/B00161HSES
#20
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
That is quite a shame. He's a great actor.
#21
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
Sad news, indeed.
#22
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
Sad news
As others have said, great actor!
As others have said, great actor!
#23
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
It looks like his last movie might be Snow White and the Huntsman. There's one called Aleksander Rouge for next year, but it's only "announced" so I don't know if that's going to get made with him or not.
I haven't seen The Long Good Friday, but I've been meaning to check it out.
I haven't seen The Long Good Friday, but I've been meaning to check it out.
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Re: Bob Hoskins announces retirement due to Parkinson's Disease
I was in my late teens or whenever Unleased (aka Danny the Dog, much prefer this title) came out here in the states. After that...along the way I caught his flicks w/ his accent..was shocked but also pleased.