Hope, Bob (1903-2003), was a popular American comedian and actor. He won fame for his fast-paced wisecracks in motion pictures, on radio and television, and on the stage.
Hope was born on May 29, 1903, in London, England. His given and family name was Leslie Townes Hope. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio, with his family at the age of 4. Hope became a vaudeville performer in the early 1920’s and made his Broadway debut in 1927. He became a star in the musical comedy Roberta (1933). During the 1930’s and 1940’s, Hope starred in a popular radio show.
Hope appeared in more than 50 motion pictures. His first feature film was The Big Broadcast of 1938, in which he first sang “Thanks for the Memory.” This song became Hope’s theme song. He co-starred with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour in Road to Singapore (1940) and six later “Road” comedies. Hope gave many performances for charity and traveled worldwide to entertain the United States armed forces. He received five special Academy Awards for his humanitarian activities and for his services to the film industry. He wrote several humorous books and an autobiography, The Road to Hollywood (1977). Hope died on July 27, 2003, at the age of 100.
