British actor Bob Hoskins, who has starred in dozens of beloved films over the course of his storied career, released a statement today through his agent announcing that he will be retiring from acting, effectively immediately.

The statement also revealed that Hoskins was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease last fall.

"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 during a wonderful career," the statement continued. "Bob is now looking forward to his retirement with his family, and would greatly appreciate that his privacy be respected at this time."

Hoskins started acting in the late 1960's, but it was his breakthrough role in the 1980 gangster film The Long Good Friday that made him a household name. He went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for his role in Neil Jordan's 1986 film Mona Lisa, as well as a Golden Globe nomination for the lead non-animated part in Robert Zemeckis' Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Hoskins was last seen on the big screen in Snow White & the Huntsman, where he played the character of Muir the Dwarf.

[photo via Getty]