bob hope

Bob Hope is recognized as “The Most Honored Entertainer” by The Guinness Book of World Records. The show business legend was born Leslie Townes Hope in England on May 29, 1903.

Hope’s family moved to Cleveland when he was two. As a young boy, Hope worked part-time jobs before focusing on a vaudeville career. He toured the country as a performer with a series of sidekicks.

Taking the advice of friends, Hope eventually began performing as a stand-up comedian. The one-man act was such a success that he was able to form his own company in Chicago and later moved to New York to begin his radio career.

Hope first appeared on the radio show The Intimate Revue in 1935. He made two other brief radio appearances between 1935 and 1937, before starting The Pepsodent Show on September 27, 1938. The show was a huge success, attracting regular guest stars such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Bing Crosby.

During World War II, Hope focused his energy on entertaining US troops around the world. In doing so, he established himself as one of the most popular and beloved entertainers of the 20th century.

Hope also hosted 284 prime time television specials and starred in 60 motion pictures.

Bob Hope died July 29, 2003.

He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1990.