Bob Hoskins has passed away aged 71.

The 'Hook' actor from Suffolk, England, died in hospital on Tuesday (29.04.14) surrounded by his family after battling pneumonia.

His wife Linda and children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack have issued a statement asking for privacy and thanking those who have sent messages of condolence.

They said: ''We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Bob.

''Bob died peacefully at hospital last night surrounded by family, following a bout of pneumonia.

''We ask that you respect our privacy during this time and thank you for your messages of love and support.''

Stephen Fry has since taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the ''marvellous'' actor.

He wrote: ''That's awful news. The Long Good Friday [is] one of the best British movies of the modern era. A marvellous man.''

Bob - who was best known for his roles in Disney's live action/animation crossover 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, the cult British gangster movie 'The Long Good Friday' and his Oscar nominated performance in 'Mona Lisa' - retired from acting in 2013 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

He played his final starring role opposite Kristen Stewart as one of the seven dwarves in 'Snow White and the Huntsman'.