Bob Hope (May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003) was a legendary British-American comedian, actor, and entertainer, a true institution of American pop culture for the 20th century, celebrated for his rapid-fire wit, topical monologues, and unparalleled dedication to entertaining American troops.
After a successful career in vaudeville and on Broadway, Hope became a top box-office star for Paramount Pictures. His most famous and beloved film work was the series of seven “Road to…” comedies made with his lifelong friend and rival, Bing Crosby, and co-star Dorothy Lamour. These films, along with other hits like The Paleface (1948), established him as one of the era’s greatest comedic actors.
Hope was also a pioneer of radio and television, hosting numerous top-rated specials for NBC for decades and serving as the host of the Academy Awards a record 19 times. However, his most profound legacy was his tireless work with the USO, performing for millions of American military personnel in 57 tours from World War II to the Persian Gulf War, a feat for which he was declared an honorary veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
