Actor Bob Hoskins dies, aged 71

The death of London film star Bob Hoskins was announced by his agent Clair Dobbs on Wednesday. The 71-year-old actor passed away after suffering a bout of pneumonia.

"Bob died peacefully at hospital last night (Tuesday) surrounded by family," Dobbs said in a statement, also asking the press to respective the family's privacy at this time.

Hoskins is survived by his wife, Linda, and their children, Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack.

In a statement also issued on Wednesday, the surviving family members mourned the Hollywood star.

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Bob," they said.

The gruff, London thespian launched his acting career in the 1970s on British television in shows, such as "Thick as Thieves" and "Rock Follies of '77." Little more than a decade later, he rose to fame with notable roles in "The Long Good Friday." His part in the 1986 film "Mona Lisa" earned him an Oscar nod, followed a year later by a Golden Globe nomination for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." Hoskins also appeared in the 1990s features "Mermaids," "Hook" and "Nixon."

Hoskins made his last film appearance in the 2012 movie "Snow White and the Huntsman." The announcement of his retirement came in the same year after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

kms/mz (AP, AFP, Reuters)