BOB Hoskins has announced his retirement from acting after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

The 69-year-old actor has starred in Hollywood hits such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and the homegrown underworld classic The Long Good Friday.

His role as a petty criminal who becomes entangled with a high-class hooker, in the 1986 hit Mona Lisa won him an Oscar nomination.

His agent announced yesterday he was withdrawing from acting after a "wonderful career" and would be spending time with his family.

A statement, issued on his behalf, said: "Bob Hoskins wishes to announce he will be retiring from acting, following his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease last autumn. He wishes to thank all the great and brilliant people he has worked with over the years, and all of his fans who have supported him.

"Bob is now looking forward to his retirement and would greatly appreciate that his privacy be respected at this time."

His parts have ranged from gangsters to comedy roles and earlier this year, he played one of the seven dwarves in Snow White & The Huntsman.

Parkinson's, a neurological condition thought to affect about 127,000 people in the UK, has no known cure. It is often known for the tremors it causes but other effects include slow movements and depression.

Back To The Future star Michael J Fox is among the high-profile figures diagnosed with the disease.