British actor Bob Hoskins dies at 71

British Hoskins has died. His family released a statement saying the British actor died in hospital of pneumonia. He was 71

British actor Bob Hoskins has died at the age of 71 after suffering from pneumonia, his agent said. EPA

British actor Bob Hoskins, whose varied career ranged from Mona Lisa to Who Framed Roger Rabbit? has died aged 71.

A family statement released today by agent Clair Dobbs said Hoskins died in a hospital after a bout of pneumonia.

His wife Linda and children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack, said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Bob.”

A versatile character actor capable of menace, poignancy and Cockney charm, Hoskins appeared in some of the most acclaimed British films of the past few decades, including gangster classic The Long Good Friday.

In 2012 Hoskins announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was retiring from acting.