Bob Hoskins retires from acting after Parkinson's diagnosis

Legendary British Actor Has Parkinson's Disease

Who Framed Roger Rabbit star Bob Hoskins has announced he is to retire from acting and spend more time with his family, after discovering that he has Parkinson's disease.

Bob Hoskins

Respected British actor Bob Hoskins has announced the sad news that he will be retiring at the age of 69, as he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease last autumn. Bob's intention is now to spend time with his family, and his agent said that he "would greatly appreciate that his privacy be respected at this time." The illness, which affects the nervous system, is incurable but can be controlled with medication.

Hoskins can be proud of his achievements in a career lasting over 40 years, which included TV, film and even a music video appearance. He is most famous for his roles in family films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and Hook (1991). His most recent success was reprising his role as Smee from Hook in the popular TV miniseries Neverland in 2011.

Bob is one of many celebrities to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Some of the most famous sufferers include legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and fellow actor Michael J. Fox. Fox was diagnosed in 1991 at the unusually young age of 30, and has become known as an advocate of stem cell research which aims to find a cure for Parkinson's.