Who Framed Roger Rabbit is, to the surprise of some, an unmitigated masterpiece of 20th century cinema. It is completely unlike anything that came before it, in style and story. It is also absolutely hilarious and moving.

While the blending of animation and live-action accounts for much of what made Roger Rabbit unique, the success of the film as a story told to audiences largely rests upon the performance of Bob Hoskins. Hoskins straight-guy routine in Toon Town never ceases to crack me up.

Bob Hoskins had a distinguished career spanning many decades in the business. But personally, Mr. Hoskins fills my memories when I think back to the period when I came of movie watching age. Who Framed Roger Rabbit is the first theater experience I recall in detail. But Mr. Hoskins was in three films from the era I watched all the time.

The first was Roger Rabbit, and the others Mermaids and Hook. I loved Mermaids at time the mostly because of Wynona Ryder and Christina Ricci. But watching it years later, Hoskins give a quite touching performance. Hook, as all kids my age will recall, is just a blast. Hoskins’ inimitable Smee was a delight to watch as he played off the much louder Dustin Hoffman.

Bob Hoskins died today. He was 71. I’m sure I’m not the only kid who recalls with happiness the work of Mr. Hoskins in those late 80s and early 90s years. He’ll be missed.