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Bob Hoskins

Bob Hoskins had already been lost to the world of acting because of his Parkinson’s, but the announcement of his death from pneumonia was still shocking – thanks to innumerable repeats of his films on TV he seemed an ever-present still despite being retired. Hoskins became an actor by chance, handed an audition script while waiting at a theatre bar, but then demonstrated natural talent and no little intelligence – he loathed Tony Blair for example - in a 40-year career. He’ll be best remembered perhaps for two roles in the 80s, as Harold in The Long Good Friday, getting us to sympathise with a menacing and clearly evil character; and as George in Mona Lisa. London underworld parts were largely then left behind as he did comedy, Shakespeare, the live action/animation Who Framed Roger Rabbit, played Krushchev, Badger in Wind in the Willows, J. Edgar Hoover, and Micawber among many others. Hoskins had that rare thing presence, a small man with great and likeable charisma. He’ll be missed.

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