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Bob Hoskins retires – A farewell to a classic

In sad news, actor Bob Hoskins retires from acting after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

With the news that famed but slightly obscure character actor Bob Hoskins retired due to his being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I think it only fitting to take a look back. Bob Hoskins was born in Suffolk, England, but had his first movie at age 30 in 1972. He brought his now classic Cockney accent (not his original one) to a series of a British crime movies before appearing in the bizarre sci-fi classic Brazil.

But it was the unique cartoon/real world fusion film noir homage/parody Who Framed Roger Rabbit? that catapulted Hoskins into awesomeness. But he would never quite reach that level of fame again, even after working with Steven Spielberg in Hook as the sneaky pirate assistant Smee (funniest part of the movie). And then there was Super Mario Bros, the disastrous video game adaptation that Hoskins has derided to this day. Yes, it was stupid, over budget, over directed, plagued with production problems, and Hoskins apparently drank himself into a stupor to get through it. But it has a campy appeal, and Hoskins is a light in the dark.

Since then, he’s mostly been in smaller movies or smaller roles, from the hard and dangerous (with Jet Li in Unleashed) to his great, subtle performance in Paris, je t’aime. Most recently, he could be seen as the mystical dwarven leader Muir in the pretty but empty Snow White and the Huntsman. It is truly unfortunate that illness prevented this great acting talent from continuing, and a shame that he never received the recognition his talent deserved. But we still have his movies and television to remember his gruff charisma.

Below is a list of Hoskins’ best known performances.  Take the poll and choose your two favorite roles.

Photo Credit: Touchstone Pictures

Categories: Features, General, News, Polls

4 Responses to “Bob Hoskins retires – A farewell to a classic”

August 9, 2012 at 10:31 AM

. . . . .

The dude has had a grand career.

I found myself enjoying his roll as Bart in Unleashed … but I don’t remember why I saw that film, truth be told. It’s not my usual fare to frequent. I’m very pleased that I did, however.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Hoskin’s role in the incredibly brief Thick As Thieves which probably no one remembers but me.

And, of course, where I really fell in overall like with the guy: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Time to investigate some of the things from him I’ve always wanted to explore, but haven’t made time for …

August 9, 2012 at 9:03 PM

I’m with you on Unleashed. Not my type of movie at all, but I thought it was pretty awesome. Hoskins and Jet Li really made the film more than just an action/exploitation flick. It’s worth a look for anyone who hasn’t seen it, or just expects it to be cheesy.

August 9, 2012 at 9:33 PM

Best acting by Jet Li in an English language film. Best period was Fearless, but that was in Chinese.

And Bob Hoskins was perfect in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

August 13, 2012 at 5:00 PM

He was a first-rate actor. Nice tribute to him!

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