“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” star Bob Hoskins diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

A rep for British actor Robert “Bob” William Hoskins, who is best known for his role as P.I. Eddie Valiant in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, released a statement on Wednesday saying that the actor has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and he is retiring from acting.

“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 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,” the statement said.

Sixty-nine year old Hoskins started his career in the 1970s on British television shows such as “Rock Follies of ‘77” and “Thick as Thieves”.

He was nominated for a Oscar for the 1986 movie “Mona Lisa” for which he won a Golden Globe award.

The actor’s big Hollywood break came in 1988 when he played P.I. Eddie Valiant in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” a role for which he received a Golden Globe nomination.

His most recent role is the dark fairytale “Snow White and the Huntsman,” in which he plays one of the eight dwarves.

Parkinson’s disease is an incurable, degenerative neurological disorder.  Former Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali and actor Michael J. Fox both suffer from the disease.