Bob Hoskins has died of pneumonia at the age
of 71, his agent has said.
The much-loved English actor, who starred in films
such as The Long Good Friday and Who Framed
Roger Rabbit, died last night in hospital.
His family released a statement saying they were
'devastated'.
His wife Linda and children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and
Jack said: '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.'
Hoskins, who was born in Bury St Edmunds, West
Suffolk, announced he was retiring from acting in
2012 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's
disease.
His breakthrough role came in Dennis Potter's
1978 series Pennies From Heaven in which he played the lovelorn sheet
music salesman Arthur Parker.
He won Bafta and Golden Globe best actor awards
for his role in 1986 British mystery drama Mona
Lisa.
