‘Roger Rabbit’ star Bob Hoskins retires from acting due to Parkinson’s Disease

Bob Hoskins -- best known for his work in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" -- announced his retirement from acting. Hoskins's agent confirmed that the actor is suffering from Parkinson's disease.

"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."

Hoskins, 69, has starred in dozens of films during his career. In addition to the 1988 smash hit "Roger Rabbit," in which he played washed-up private detective Eddie Valiant, Hoskins has starred in Steven Spielberg's "Hook," the cult classic "Brazil," and "Mermaids" opposite Cher and Winona Ryder.

In a 2009 interview with the U.K'.s Telegraph, Hoskins spoke about his experiences on "Roger Rabbit." Though it became his best-known film, the making of it wasn't easy. "I think I went a bit mad while working on that. Lost my mind. The voice of the rabbit was there just behind the camera all the time...My daughter, when I came back from filming in San Francisco, she said 'Dad, slow down, slow down. You're going barmy, mate.' And I was."

He fell into acting by accident. In a 2006 interview, Hoskins explained that he accompanied a friend to an audition. Hoskins said he'd wait for his buddy in the bar next door. But then the casting director came and got Hoskins (who had had a few pints by then), and Hoskins auditioned and got the lead. An agent saw the audition and told him to take it up professionally. Fortunately, Hoskins listened.

In 1987, Hoskins was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his work in "Mona Lisa," a crime thriller directed by Neil Jordan. Hoskins lost out to Paul Newman, who won for "The Color of Money." Hoskins also appeared in the poorly received "Super Mario Brothers" movie. And yes, he hated the movie as much as viewers did. Last year, when asked by the U.K.'s Guardian to name the worst job he'd ever done, Hoskins answered, "Super Mario Brothers." And, when asked what he would edit from his past if given the chance, Hoskins answered, "I wouldn't do Super Mario Brothers."