Bob Hope

Leslie Townes Hope (born May 29, 1903), best known as Bob Hope, is a famous retired entertainer, having appeared in vaudeville, on Broadway, on radio and television, and in the movies. Before becoming an actor, Hope boxed professionally under the boxing nickname of Packey East.

He was born in Eltham, England, as fifth of seven sons. His family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1907. He became United States citizen in 1920.

Hope became famous with several Broadway musicals. He married Dolores Reade, six years his junior, in 1934. They have four children.

On May 6, 1941 at California's March Field, Hope performed his first USO Show[?]. He continued to entertaining troops for the rest of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War all the way until the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War. He took the matter to heart when entertaining and was almost always seen in army duds, just like his audience, as a sign of support for the troops for whom he performed.

Hope's turn as a movie star included the classic "Road" series of pictures in which he was paired with Bing Crosby, as well as "My Favorite Brunette."

Hope is also renowned for his passion for sports. He boxed professionally, was a pool hustler, watches football and even owned part of the Cleveland Indians and the Los Angeles Rams. Hope is mostly remembered for his passion of golf, and even played in a few PGA tours. In honor of America's most beloved entertainer, there's even the Hope/Chrysler Classic named after him, which is now in its 44th year. He's also golfed with nearly every President since Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Hope celebrated his 100th birthday on May 29, 2003, and might rival Irving Berlin or George Burns as the most notable centenarian. In honor of Hope on his birthday, the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles, California was christened Bob Hope Square. His centennial was declared Bob Hope Day in 35 U.S. states. Hope celebrated his birthday privately in his Toluca Lake home where he has lived since 1937. Even at 100 years of age, Hope maintained his sense of humor, quipping "I'm so old, they've canceled my blood type."

External link

• Bob Hope homepage (http://www.bobhope.com/bob.htm)