Robert William Hoskins(26 October 1942 – 29 April 2014) was an English actor and film director.[1]Known for his intense but sensitive portrayals of "tough guy" characters,[2][3]he began his career on stage before making his screen breakthrough playing Arthur Parker on the 1978BBC TelevisionserialPennies from Heaven.He subsequently played acclaimed lead roles in the filmsThe Long Good Friday(1980),Mona Lisa(1986),Who Framed Roger Rabbit(1988),Mermaids(1990) andThe Good Pope: Pope John XXIII(2002).
Bob Hoskins | |
|---|---|
 Hoskins in May 2006 | |
| Born | Robert William Hoskins 26 October 1942 Bury St Edmunds,Suffolk,England |
| Died | 29 April 2014(aged 71) London,England |
| Burial place | Highgate Cemetery,London |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1968–2012 |
| Spouses | Jane Livesey
(m.1967;div.1978)Linda Banwell (m.1982) |
| Children | 4 |
Hoskins had supporting roles inPink Floyd – The Wall(1982),The Honorary Consul(1983),The Cotton Club(1984),Brazil(1985),Hook(1991),Nixon(1995),Enemy at the Gates(2001),Maid in Manhattan(2002),Mrs Henderson Presents(2005),A Christmas Carol(2009),Made in Dagenham(2010), andSnow White and the Huntsman(2012). He portrayedMarioin the 1993 filmSuper Mario Bros.,based on thevideo game of the same name,and voiced Boris Goosinov in the animated filmBalto(1995). Hoskins also directed two feature films:The Raggedy Rawney(1988) andRainbow(1996).
Hoskins received theBest Actor Awardat theCannes Film Festival,theBAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Roleand theGolden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Dramafor his role inMona Lisa.Hoskins won a CanadianGenie Award for Best Actor in a Leading RoleforFelicia's Journey.In 2009, he won anInternational Emmy Award for Best Actorfor his appearance on the BBC One dramaThe Street.Hoskins retired from acting in 2012 owing toParkinson's diseaseafter being diagnosed the previous year. He died in April 2014 frompneumonia.
Early life
editRobert William Hoskins was born inBury St Edmundson 26 October 1942, the son of Elsie (née Hopkins), a cook and nursery school teacher, and Robert Hoskins, a bookkeeper and lorry driver.[4]One of his grandmothers wasRomani.[5]From two weeks old, he was brought up in theFinsbury Parkarea ofLondon.[6]He attended Stroud Green Secondary School, where he was written off as "stupid" on account of hisdyslexia.[7]He left school at 15 with a singleO-Leveland worked as a porter, lorry driver, plumber, and window cleaner. He started but did not complete a three-year accountancy course.[8][9]He spent six months on akibbutzin Israel and two years tending to the camels of aBedouintribe in Syria.[9]
Career
edit
Hoskins's acting career began in 1968 at the Victoria Theatre inStoke-on-Trent,in a production ofRomeo and Julietin which he played a servant named Peter.[10]A year later, while waiting in the bar atUnity Theatre,London, for his friend the actor Roger Frost, Hoskins found himself being auditioned for a play after being handed a script and told, "You're next."[11]His audition was successful and Frost became his understudy. Frost considered Hoskins "a natural", recalling that "he just got up on stage and was brilliant".[12]
In late 1969, he was part ofBolton's Octagon Theatreoutreach troupe, which became theKen Campbell Roadshow.[13]
Hoskins's London theatre career included portraying a "vigorous" Alfred Doolittle in a West End production ofBernard Shaw'sPygmalionoppositeDiana Riggat theAlbery Theatrein 1974,[14]and in aRoyal Shakespeare Companyproduction ofEugene O'Neill'sThe Iceman Comethat theAldwych Theatrein 1976 as Rocky the bartender, oppositePatrick Stewart.[15]In 1981, he starred withHelen MirreninThe Duchess of Malfiat theRoyal Exchange Theatre, Manchester[16]and theLondon Roundhouse.[17]
Hoskins's first major television role was inOn the Move(1975–1976), an educational drama series directed by Barbara Derkow aimed at tackling adult illiteracy.[18]He portrayed the character Alf Hunt, aremoval manwho had problems reading and writing. According to producerGeorge Auckland,up to 17 million people watched the series.[19]His breakthrough in television came later in the original BBC version ofDennis Potter's 6-part dramaPennies from Heaven(1978), in which he portrayed adulterous sheet music salesman Arthur Parker. He later playedIago(oppositeAnthony Hopkins) inJonathan Miller'sBBC Television Shakespeareproduction ofOthello(1981).[20]In 1983, Hoskins voiced an advert forWeetabixand, during the late 1980s and early 1990s, he appeared in advertising forBritish GasandBritish Telecom(now BT Group).[21]Other television work includedFlickers,portrayingWilkins MicawberinDavid Copperfield(1999) andThe Wind in the Willows(2006).
British films such asThe Long Good Friday(1980) andMona Lisa(1986) won him the wider approval of critics, the latter film winning him aCannes Award,Best ActorGolden Globe,BAFTAAwards and anAcademy Awardnomination forBest Actor.
Hoskins's other film parts included Spoor inTerry Gilliam'sBrazil(1985),SmeeinHook(1991) and inNeverland(2011), starring oppositeCherinMermaids(1990), portrayingNikita Khrushchevas apolitical commissarinEnemy at the Gates(2001) and playing Uncle Bart, the violent psychopathic "owner" ofJet LiinUnleashed(2005, akaDanny the Dog). He had a small role as the protagonist's rock and roll manager inThe Wall(1982) and, in 1997, had a cameo asGinger Spice's disguise in theSpice Girls' film,Spice World.[22]He directed two films that he also starred in:The Raggedy Rawney(1988) andRainbow(1996), and producedMrs Henderson PresentsalongsideNorma Heyman,for which he was nominated as Golden Globe Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film.[23]
A high point in Hoskins's career was portraying theprivate investigatorEdward "Eddie" Valiantin the live-action/animated familyblockbuster,Who Framed Roger Rabbit(1988). Hoskins was not the first choice for the role –Harrison Ford,Bill MurrayandEddie Murphywere all considered for the part.[24]Film critics, among themGene SiskelandRoger Ebert,agreed that Hoskins was perfect for the role.[25]As his character interacts and makes physical contact withanimated charactersin the film, Hoskins was required to take mime training courses in preparation. He experienced hallucinations for months after production on the film had ended.[26]He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and won a British Evening Standard Award for his performance.
Hoskins's portrayal of the Los Angeles investigator Valiant was one of several roles where he used an American accent; he was described by Trey Barrineau ofUSA Todayas having "a knack for playing Americans better than most American actors could".[27]Others included Rocky the bartender in the playThe Iceman Cometh(1976), gangsterOwney MaddeninFrancis Coppola'sThe Cotton Club(1984), Gus Klein inWolfgang Petersen'sShattered(1991),MarioinSuper Mario Bros.(1993),J. Edgar HooverinOliver Stone'sNixon(1995), andEddie MannixinHollywoodland(2006). He was slated to be the last-minute replacement in caseRobert De Nirorefused the role ofAl CaponeinThe Untouchables(1987).
In a 1988 interview withFresh Air'sTerry Gross,when asked about many of his roles being underworld types, Hoskins said, "I think if you've got a face like mine you don't usually wind up with the parts thatErrol Flynnplayed, you know? "[28]
Hoskins toldThe Guardianin 2007 that he regretted starring asMarioinSuper Mario Bros.(1993), saying that he was extremely unhappy with the film, greatly angered by his experiences making it, and referring to it as the "worst thing I ever did".[29]Hoskins was injured several times on set, spent most of the time with co-starJohn Leguizamogetting drunk to escape boredom, and was not aware that the film was based on a video game until he was informed later by his son.[9]In a 2011 interview, he was asked, "What is the worst job you've done?", "What has been your biggest disappointment?", and "If you could edit your past, what would you change?" His answer to all three wasSuper Mario Bros.[30]
In 2007, Hoskins appeared in the music video forJamie T's single "Sheila".[31]In 2009, he returned to television forJimmy McGovern's drama serialThe Street,playing a publican who opposes a local gangster. For this role, he received his only Emmy: Best Actor at the 2010International Emmys.The 2011 filmIn Search of La Chefeatures a character "Wermit," whose every line of dialogue is a quote from Bob Hoskins.[32]On 8 August 2012, Hoskins announced his retirement from acting, having been diagnosed withParkinson's diseasein 2011.[33]
Personal life
editWith his first wife Jane Livesey, Hoskins had two children: Alex (b. 1968) and Sarah (b. 1971). With his second wife, Linda Banwell, he had two more children: Rosa (b.c. 1983) and Jack (b.c. 1986). Hoskins divided his time between theHampsteadarea ofLondon[34]andChiddingly,East Sussex.[35]
Later in life, Hoskinsgave up drinking alcohol.He said that his wife persuaded him to go sober.[36]
When asked in an interview which living person he most despised, Hoskins namedTony Blairand said, "He's done even more damage thanThatcher."He hated Blair to the point that he decided in2010,for the first time in his life, not to vote forLabour,by then led byGordon Brown.[37][38]
Hoskins often made light of his similarities with film actorDanny DeVito,who he joked would play him in a film about his life.[38]
Illness and death
edit
Hoskins was diagnosed withParkinson's diseasein 2011. He retired from acting in August 2012.[39]On 29 April 2014, Hoskins died ofpneumoniaat a London hospital, aged 71. He was survived by his wife Linda and his four children.[40]
Among actors who paid tribute at his funeral wereStephen Fry,Samuel L. Jackson,andHelen Mirren.[20][41]Hoskins is buried inHighgate Cemeteryin London.[42]
Filmography
editFilm
editTelevision
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Villains | Charles Grindley | 3 episodes |
| 1972 | Play for Today | Taxi driver | Episode: "The Bankrupt" |
| 1973 | Crown Court | Freddie Dean | 3 episodes |
| 1973 | New Scotland Yard | Eddie Wharton | Episode: "Weight of Evidence" |
| 1973 | Softly, Softly: Task Force | Parker | Episode: "Signed Off" |
| 1973 | Play for Today | Woodbine | Episode: "Her Majesty's Pleasure" |
| 1974 | Shoulder to Shoulder | Jack Dunn | Episode: "Outrage" |
| 1974 | Thick as Thieves | Dobbs | 8 episodes |
| 1974 | Play for Today | Blake | Episode: "Schmoedipus" |
| 1975 | On the Move | Alf | 2 episodes |
| 1976 | Thriller | Sammy Draper | Episode: "Kill Two Birds" / "Cry Terror" |
| 1976 | The Crezz | Detective Sergeant Marble | Episode: "A Flash of Inspiration" |
| 1977 | Van der Valk | Johnny Palmer | Episode: "Dead on Arrival" |
| 1977 | Rock Follies of '77 | Johnny Britten | Episode: "The Real Life" |
| 1978 | Pennies from Heaven | Arthur Parker | 6 episodes Nominated –BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor |
| 1979 | Of Mycenae and Men | Mr. Taramasalatopoulos | Television short |
| 1980 | Flickers | Arnie Cole | 6 episodes |
| 1981 | Othello | Iago | Television film - BBC |
| 1983 | The Beggar's Opera | Beggar | Television film - BBC |
| 1985 | Mussolini and I | Benito Mussolini | Television film |
| 1985 | The Dunera Boys | Morrie Mendellsohn | 2 episodes |
| 1994 | The Changeling | De Flores | Television film |
| 1994 | World War II: When Lions Roared | Winston Churchill | 2 episodes |
| 1995–1999 | The Forgotten Toys | Teddy | Voice 26 episodes |
| 1996 | Tales from the Crypt | Redmond | Episode: "Fatal Caper" Also director[44] |
| 1999 | David Copperfield | Wilkins Micawber | 2 episodes |
| 2000 | Noriega: God's Favorite | Manuel Noriega | Television film Nominated –Satellite Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film |
| 2000 | Don Quixote | Sancho Panza | Television film - TNT |
| 2001 | The Lost World | Professor George Challenger | Television film - BBC |
| 2003 | Frasier | Coach Fuller | Episode: "Trophy Girlfriend" |
| 2003 | The Good Pope: Pope John XXIII | Angelo Roncalli/Pope John XXIII | Television film |
| 2006 | The Wind in the Willows | Badger | Television film |
| 2008 | The Englishman's Boy | Damon Ira Chance | 2 episodes |
| 2008 | Pinocchio | Geppetto | 2 episodes |
| 2008 | The Last Word Monologues | Unnamed hitman | Episode: "A Bit of Private Business" |
| 2009 | The Street | Paddy Gargan | 2 episodes International Emmy Award for Best Actor |
| 2011 | Neverland | Smee | 2 episodes |
References
edit- ^Anderson, John (30 April 2014)."Bob Hoskins, Actor Who Combined Charm and Menace, Dies at 71".The New York Times.Retrieved25 November2018.
- ^Gilbey, Ryan (30 April 2014)."Bob Hoskins obituary".The Guardian.ISSN0261-3077.Retrieved25 August2023.
- ^Anderson, John (30 April 2014)."Bob Hoskins, Actor Who Combined Charm and Menace, Dies at 71".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.Retrieved25 August2023.
- ^"Bob Hoskins Obituary".The Herald.Glasgow. 30 April 2014.Retrieved24 December2014.
-Hattenstone, Simon (2 August 2007)."The Method? Living it out? Cobblers!".The Guardian.London.Retrieved26 April2010. - ^Moline 1988,p. 201.
- ^Confirmed onDesert Island Discsin November 1988
- ^"Bob Hoskins - obituary".The Daily Telegraph.30 April 2014.Retrieved27 September2018.
- ^Farndale, Nigel (27 November 2009)."Bob Hoskins interview: 'My own mum wouldn't call me pretty'".The Daily Telegraph.Retrieved13 May2014.
- ^abc"Bob Hoskins: 10 things you didn't know".The Daily Telegraph.29 April 2015.
- ^Neale, William A. (1 May 2014)."Bob Hoskins".Safety Curtain.Retrieved13 August2018.
- ^"Bob Hoskins: Sold as seen".The Guardian.9 October 1999.Retrieved26 February2013.
- ^Moline 1988,p. 17.
- ^"Performance legend Ken Campbell talks".Theatre Voice.
- ^Clive Barnes (17 August 1974)."London Theater: Classics and Sexism".The New York Times.
- ^"Production of The Iceman Cometh".Theatricalia.
- ^"Actor Bob Hoskins: 1942–2014".USA Today.
- ^Gray, Anita (5 May 2014)."Hoskins the hero".The Guardian.Retrieved26 September2021.
- ^"On the Move (TV Series)".BFI Film & TV database. Archived fromthe originalon 20 January 2010.Retrieved11 August2018.
- ^"On the Move: How Bob Hoskins helped adults learn to read".BBC News.3 May 2014.Retrieved30 June2014.
- ^ab"Helen Mirren on Bob Hoskins: 'A spectacular firework just as it takes off'".The Guardian.Retrieved13 August2018.
- ^Fill, Chris (2002).Marketing Communications: Contexts, Strategies, and Applications.Financial Times Prentice Hall. p. 516.ISBN0273655000.
Kay, Dan (30 April 2014)."Much-loved British actor Bob Hoskins dies age 71".Liverpool Echo.Retrieved13 August2018. - ^Collins, Andrew."Spice World: the Movie".Radio Times.Archived fromthe originalon 8 April 2019.Retrieved10 April2019.
- ^"Bob Hoskins to retire after Parkinson's diagnosis".BBC News.9 August 2012.Retrieved13 August2018.
- ^Stewart, James B.(2005).DisneyWar.New York City:Simon & Schuster.p. 86.ISBN978-0684809939.
-Evans, Bradford (7 April 2011)."The Lost Roles of Eddie Murphy".Splitsider.Archived fromthe originalon 23 July 2015.Retrieved18 July2015. - ^"Siskel & Ebert 1988-Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1of3)".YouTube.29 November 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 30 October 2021.Retrieved18 November2017.
- ^"Bob Hoskins interview: 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?'".Danmarks Radio.13 August 2012. Archived fromthe originalon 30 October 2021.Retrieved13 August2018– via YouTube.
-Cartoon Hangover(29 December 2015)."107 Facts About Who Framed Roger Rabbit".YouTube.Archived fromthe originalon 30 October 2021.Retrieved18 November2017. - ^Barrineau, Trey (30 April 2014)."Three times Bob Hoskins played an American better than an American".USA Today.
- ^"'Fresh Air' Remembers British Actor Bob Hoskins ".NPR.Retrieved3 October2020.
- ^"Bob Hoskins: 'The Method? Living it out? Cobblers!'".The Guardian.2 August 2007.Retrieved29 November2022.
- ^Greenstreet, Rosanna (17 June 2011)."Q&A: Bob Hoskins".The Guardian.Archivedfrom the original on 10 November 2013.Retrieved13 December2016.
- ^"Watch Jamie T's" Sheila "Video".The Lefort Report.20 August 2013.Retrieved5 November2018.
- ^"Farewell to one of the greats, Bob Hoskins".Moviepilot.Archived fromthe originalon 10 January 2015.Retrieved18 November2017.
- ^"Bob Hoskins retires from acting".ITV News.8 August 2012.Retrieved26 February2013.
- ^Grice, Elizabeth (13 December 2001)."'I'm no tough guy'".The Daily Telegraph.
- ^Roberts, Anna (11 August 2012)."Bob Hoskins to sell his Sussex home".The Argus.
- ^"Bob Hoskins Dead: Wife Linda Banwell Credited With Getting 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' Actor Sober [PHOTO]".International Business Times.30 April 2014.
- ^Walker, Tim (21 April 2010). Eden, Richard (ed.)."Bob Hoskins: It's the long goodbye for Gordon Brown".The Daily Telegraph.
- ^abGreenstreet, Rosanna (17 June 2011)."Q&A: Bob Hoskins".The Guardian.
- ^"Bob Hoskins to retire after Parkinson's diagnosis".BBC News.9 August 2012.Retrieved26 February2013.
- ^"Bob Hoskins dies of pneumonia aged 71".BBC News.30 April 2014.Retrieved30 April2014.
- ^"Bob Hoskins tributes: 'a true gentleman'".The Daily Telegraph.30 April 2014. Archived fromthe originalon 30 April 2014.Retrieved5 December2014.
- ^Cochran, Jason."Highgate Cemetery: Coffins, Catacombs, and Celebrities in London's Creepy Necropolis".Frommers.Retrieved23 July2023.
- ^"26th Annual Razzie Award Nominees for Worst Supporting Actor".Razzies.com.John Wilson and the Golden Raspberry Award Foundation. Archived fromthe originalon 23 June 2011.Retrieved7 March2013.
- ^"411MANIA".A Bloody Good Time: Tales From the Crypt Season Seven Retrospective (Part 1).Archived fromthe originalon 11 January 2021.Retrieved7 January2021.
Bibliography
edit- Moline, Karen (1988).Bob Hoskins: An Unlikely Hero.Sidgwick & Jackson.p. 213.ISBN978-0283995088.
External links
edit
