Bob Hope
Born Leslie Townes Hope on
May 29, 1903
in Eltham, United Kingdom
Died
July 27, 2003
of pneumonia in Toluca Lake, CA
Bob Hope was an elder statesman of comedy whose extraordinary career spanned vaudeville, Broadway, radio, television, movies, books and makeshift concert platforms in war zones. Hope ranked among the top 10 box-office stars for 13 consecutive years, from 1941 to 1953, topping the list in 1949. He starred in 50 feature films and countless short subjects and promotional films. During the '30s, '40s, '50s and early '60s, Hope was one of the best and brightest of the film comedians, delivering one-liners with a rat-a-tat-tat precision while demonstrating some of the best timing on the screen. Because he came out of vaudeville and Broadway, Hope was also a fine hoofer — he once operated his own dance school — and an equally adept singer who introduced two Oscar-winning best songs: "Thanks for the Memory" and "Buttons and Bows." Hope also debuted the Oscar-nominated holiday tune "Silver Bells." Hope made 58 movies in all, including such classics as "The Ghost Breakers," "The Paleface," "Monsieur Beaucaire" and "Fancy Pants." He even went dramatic with good results as Eddie Foy Sr. in 1955's "The Seven Little Foys" and as the colorful New York mayor Jimmy Walker in 1957's "Beau James." Although he never won an Oscar for acting, he was honored four times by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his contributions to the world of entertainment. He also received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1959. He began emceeing the Oscars in 1940, and for years hosted the televised Academy Award presentations, opening his first in 1953 with the line "Television. That's where movies go when they die." Until his final years, Hope was almost constantly on the road, playing shows and benefits in the United States and on military bases in far-flung corners of the Earth.
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Points of interest
Academy Awards
| Year | Category | Work | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1940 | Special Award | Win | |
| 1944 | Special Award | Win | |
| 1952 | Honorary Award | Win | |
| 1959 | Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award | Win | |
| 1965 | Honorary Award | Win |
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Two thoughts about Bob Hope
I met this wonderful man at a Starbucks store in Palm Springs, California during the summer of 1997. I'd just discharged from the Air Force and was waiting for the store to close, in order to help my friend that worked there. Right before they closed, Mr. Hope and a driver came in to the store. I introduced myself and said I had a great deal of respect for him for all he'd done to help the armed forces.
That was quite a night! He was very gracious and friendly.
Thank you does not seem to be enough, on board the USS Okinawa X-Mas 1987 in the Persian Gulf. This man took the time away from his family, when he did not have to. The best gift I ever received! Thank you!!!!!!! P.S. His comedic talent, timing, and delivery was perfect!
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