Bob Hope was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Road to… series, The Seven Little Foys, and The Muppet Movie. He had a remarkable career spanning decades, known for his quick wit and entertaining performances.
Personal and Family Life
Born Leslie Townes Hope on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, London, he was the youngest of seven sons in his family. His parents, Avis and William Henry Hope, emigrated to the United States in 1908 when Bob was just five years old. He married Dolores Hope in 1934, and they had four children together. Bob also had a short marriage to Grace Louise Troxell in the early 1930s.
Career Highlights
Bob Hope began his career in entertainment as a dancer and comedian before making his film debut in The Big Broadcast of 1938, where he performed “Thanks for the Memory,” his signature song. He became one of the most popular entertainers during the mid-20th century, known for his comedic partnerships with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour in the Road to… films. Throughout his career, he was also dedicated to entertaining U.S. military troops during wartime.
Death and Legacy
Bob Hope passed away on July 27, 2003, in Toluca Lake, California, due to pneumonia. He left behind a legacy as one of the most beloved comedians of the 20th century, receiving five honorary Academy Awards for his contributions to film and entertainment. Hope is remembered for his humor, kindness, and dedicated support for the troops.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Muppet Movie | 1979-06-22 | Ice Cream Vendor |
| The Princess and the Pirate | 1944-11-17 | Sylvester the Great |
| Son of Paleface | 1952-07-14 | Peter Potter Jr. |
| The Lemon Drop Kid | 1951-04-02 | Sidney Melbourne |
| The Road to Hong Kong | 1962-03-29 | Chester Babcock |
| Road to Morocco | 1942-11-10 | Orville Jackson |
| Road to Zanzibar | 1941-04-11 | Hubert ‘Fearless’ Frazier |
| Road to Rio | 1947-12-25 | Hot Lips Barton |
| Spies Like Us | 1985-12-06 | Self |
| The Seven Little Foys | 1955-09-30 | Eddie Foy |