Bob Hope
Known For
Acting
Born
1903-05-29 in Eltham, London, England, UK
Died
2003-07-27
Biography
Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003) was an American comedian, actor, and entertainer. With a career that spanned nearly 80 years, Hope appeared in more than 70 short and feature films — 54 in which he starred. These included a series of seven Road to... musical comedy films with Bing Crosby as Hope's top-billed partner. In addition to hosting the Academy Awards show 19 times, more than any other host, Hope appeared in many stage productions and television roles and wrote 14 books. The song "Thanks for the Memory" was his signature tune. Hope was born in the Eltham district of southeast London. He arrived in the United States with his family at the age of four, and grew up near Cleveland, Ohio. After a brief stint in the late 1910s as a boxer, Hope began his career in show business in the early 1920s, initially as a comedian and dancer on the vaudeville circuit, before acting on Broadway. Hope began appearing on radio and in films starting in 1934. He was praised for his comedic timing, specializing in one-liners and rapid-fire delivery of jokes that were often self-deprecating. He helped establish modern American stand-up comedy. Between 1941 and 1991, Hope made 57 tours for the United Service Organizations (USO), entertaining active duty U.S. military personnel around the world. In 1997, the United States Congress passed a bill that made Hope an honorary veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Hope appeared in numerous television specials for NBC during his career and was one of the first users of cue cards. Hope retired from public life in 1998 and died on July 27, 2003, at the age of 100.
Most Known For
The Simpsons
as Bob Hope (voice)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
as Self
The Mike Douglas Show
as Self - Co-Host
The Mike Douglas Show
as Self
Great Performances
as Self
Golden Globe Awards
as Self - Presenter
Get Smart
as Room Service Attendant (uncredited)
The Golden Girls
as Bob Hope
What's My Line?
as Self
The Red Skelton Show
as Self - Cameo
The Merv Griffin Show
as Self
The Dick Cavett Show
as Self - Guest
I Love Lucy
as Bob Hope
Highway to Heaven
as Sycopomp
The Oscars
as Self
The Carol Burnett Show
as Self (uncredited)
The Carol Burnett Show
as Self - Cameo Appearance (uncredited)
The Muppet Show
as Self - Special Guest Star
Late Night with David Letterman
as Self
The Lucy Show
as Plumber's Assistant