Actor Bob Hoskins Announces Retirement Due To Parkinson’s

Electroshadow has some sad news to report today.

69-year-old actor Bob Hoskins today announced that he is retiring from acting after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Here is the statement from his agent: “Bob Hoskins wishes to announce that he will be retiring from acting, following his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease last autumn. He wishes to thank all the great and brilliant people he has worked with over the years, and all of his fans who have supported him during a wonderful career. Bob is now looking forward to his retirement with his family, and would greatly appreciate that his privacy be respected at this time.”

Well, it’s not like he’s dead or anything, but this is still upsetting. Parkinson’s is such a horribly debilitating illness, and we’ve seen their effects slowly ravage celebrities like Michael J. Fox. I like Hoskins a lot as an actor, and he’s one of those underrated performers who always seem to make whatever movie they’re in just a wee bit better even if they’re not the main star. When he was the star, like in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, he was terrific. Other notable roles of his include “The Long Good Friday”, “Hook”, “Enemy At The Gates” and “Mona Lisa”. His most recent big screen outing was in this summer’s “Snow White and the Huntsman” where he played one of the dwarves.

Electroshadow’s thoughts are with Mr. Hoskins and his family. May he somehow find the strength to not let his condition get the best of him.