"A TALENT FOR LONELINESS"

Bob Hoskins, one of Britain's unforgettable character actors on stage, TV and film passed away yesterday at the age of 71.

Eighteen years ago, in October 1996, I interviewed Bob Hoskins at Bristol Old Vic when he was appearing in Jon Marans' play, Old Wicked Songs, prior to its transfer to the Gielgud Theatre in London.

This harrowing drama focused on the relationship between a Viennese music professor in his late-50s, Professor Josef Mashkan and his newly acquired student, Stephen Hoffman, a 25-year-old pianist who, at one time, was considered to be a prodigy in his field, but suffers from severe burn out and has not been performing for a year.

Though initially reluctant to do the interview, Mr Hoskins, relaxed sufficiently to talk memorably not just about Old Wicked Songs but also The Long Good Friday, Pennies From Heaven, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, what made him tick and his self-declared 'talent for loneliness".

I think it's a cracking encounter... I hope you enjoy it as a memory of a fascianting character and a great actor... 

Bob Hoskins

26 October 1942 – 29 April 2014