Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Tribute: Bob Hoskins (1942 - 2014)


The press is now reporting the passing of actor Bob Hoskins at the age of 71 years old. The great and beloved actor apparently passed away due to complications from pneumonia.

Mr. Hoskins had a long and distinguished film and TV career in both the United States and Great Britain. 

He starred in such classics as The Long Good Friday (1980) and Mona Lisa (1987), and also in notable movies such as Pink Floyd The Wall (1982), Lassiter (1984), and The Cotton Club (1984). He played J. Edgar Hoover in Oliver Stone's Nixon (1995), as well.

In the genre, Mr. Hoskins delivered many unforgettable performances. He starred in Terry Gilliam's Brazil (1985), Steven Spielberg's Hook (1991) and Super Marios Bros. (1993). His most recent genre appearance was in 2012's Snow White and the Huntsman.


For my generation, however, Mr. Hoskins is widely remembered -- and adored -- for the role of gumshoe Eddie Valiant in 1988's Who Framed Roger Rabbit, a fantasy film that blended 1940s film noir with animated "Toons" or cartoon characters.  

The breadth of the titles above reveals quite ably Mr. Hoskins' versatility as an actor.  He could play hero or villain, supporting character or lead protagonist with equal aplomb. He was especially good, in my opinion, playing the man with a tough or gruff exterior, but a warm heart. One always sensed in his performances an interior life and light, sometimes one distinctly at odds with his pugnacious physicality and exterior mannerisms.

Mr. Hoskin's performances will be admired and remembered for years to come, and today I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones in this difficult hour. 

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