Bob Hoskins

Everyone always makes a fuss of big names who die, and of course they’re each special in their own way but even so, Bob Hoskins was different. Seems to have been a lovely guy, in all sorts of ways, which is a bonus, but as an actor he seemed to get to parts that the others didn’t reach. We’ll all have our own favourites. Mine include his desperate concern for Cathy Tyson in Mona Lisa, and his amazing ability to interact with thin air. But right at the top of the pyramid will be that weekly dose of heartbreak we got as we tuned into Pennies from Heaven. Somehow, he made a middle-aged, frustrated failure an Everyman with whom we were totally involved. Thanks, Bob. In your case, we really shan’t forget.