Bob Hoskins Dies at Age 71; British Actor Starred in 'The Long Good Friday,' 'Mona Lisa,' 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' and `Cotton Club’

Versatile and beloved British actor Bob Hoskins died at the age of 71. Hoskins was best known for his roles in "The Long Good Friday," "Mona Lisa" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." He also took a wonderful turn as the gangster Owney Madden in the Francis Ford Coppola film "Cotton Club" where his mix of wit, menace and a New York accent mixed into a heavily nuanced part that is a person favorite. Hoskins was also a writer.

Bob Hoskins' agent announced that the actor died of pneumonia on Tuesday in the hospital, surrounded by family.

A statement from his wife, Linda, and children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack said they were "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."

His most recent appearance was in "Snow White and the Huntsman," which starred Kristen Stewart and came out in 2012.  After he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease that year, Bob Hoskins retired from acting.

Hoskins got an Academy Award Best Actor nomination in 1987 for his starring role in the crime drama "Mona Lisa," with Michael Caine and Robbie Coltrane. Bob Hoskins' acting career spanned four decades. Hoskins' film career started in the 1970s.  His breakthrough role was the part of Harold Shand in the 1980 British gangster movie "The Long Good Friday" in which he starred with Helen Mirren. Hoskins mixed his gangster bravado with his natural humor in the 1988 live-action-animation mashup "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" where he played Eddie Valient.  He played Smee in the films "Hook" with Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams from 1991 and "Neverland" in 2011.

Hoskins made commercials for BT in the 1980s and 1990s and Brits knew him for his catchphrase "It's good to talk."

Britain's Culture Minister Ed Vaizey paid tribute to the acclaimed actor, saying 'For decades, Bob Hoskins has entertained television and film audiences of all age groups around the world. The British film industry has lost one of its true greats, and my thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and friends."

The actor Stephen Fry took to Twitter to mourn "Oh no, Bob Hoskins. Gone? That's awful news. The Long Good Friday [is] one of the best British movies of the modern era. A marvellous man."

Bob Hoskins lived in East Sussex, England. He leaves behind four children.