Bob Hope: Hollywood's Brightest Star

Bob Hope was born Leslie Townes Hope in 1903 in Eltham, England. When he was four his family came to the U.S. In the 1920s, he began a career in Vaudeville, and later moved on to Broadway musicals. In 1938, he made his first appearance in The Big Broadcast, singing "Thanks for the Memories" which became his signature tune. Later, he teamed with Bing Cosby for "The Road to Singapore," the first seven "Road" pictures. Trading on his knack for rapid-fire wise cracks, Hope was a smash success with co-stars Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. Bob Hope has long been known as one of the world's best-known, best-loved entertainers. With 60 films and more than 500 TV appearances to his credit, Bob Hope is a bonafide star of stage, screen, radio and television. As if that list of achievements weren't enough, he has performed for literally millions of American G.I.'s stationed throughout the world, lifting spirits in times of war ranging from World War II to Vietnam. Bob Hope has received over 50 honorary doctorates and thousands of humanitarian awards, and has earned the admiration of countless people around the world; he is truly Holllywood's Brightest Star.