Bob Hope

Biography

Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003) was an American comedian, actor, and entertainer. With a career that spanned nearly 80 years, Hope appeared in more than 70 short and feature films — 54 in which he starred. These included a series of seven Road to... musical comedy films with Bing Crosby as Hope's top-billed partner. In addition to hosting the Academy Awards show 19 times, more than any other host, Hope appeared in many stage productions and television roles and wrote 14 books. The song "Thanks for the Memory" was his signature tune. Hope was born in the Eltham district of southeast London. He arrived in the United States with his family at the age of four, and grew up near Cleveland, Ohio. After a brief stint in the late 1910s as a boxer, Hope began his career in show business in the early 1920s, initially as a comedian and dancer on the vaudeville circuit, before acting on Broadway. Hope began appearing on radio and in films starting in 1934. He was praised for his comedic timing, specializing in one-liners and rapid-fire delivery of jokes that were often self-deprecating. He helped establish modern American stand-up comedy. Between 1941 and 1991, Hope made 57 tours for the United Service Organizations (USO), entertaining active duty U.S. military personnel around the world. In 1997, the United States Congress passed a bill that made Hope an honorary veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Hope appeared in numerous television specials for NBC during his career and was one of the first users of cue cards. Hope retired from public life in 1998 and died on July 27, 2003, at the age of 100.

Known For

The Simpsons

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

The Mike Douglas Show

The Mike Douglas Show

Golden Globe Awards

Tony Awards

Great Performances

All Movies (228)

• Breakdown: 19752025 · as Self - Co-Host, 47th Academy Awards (archive footage)
• Sally2025 · as Self (archive footage)
• Kids' TV: The Surprising Story2022 · as Self (archive footage)
• Rat Pack2022 · as Self (archive footage)
• Boulevard! A Hollywood Story2021 · as Self (archive footage)
• Howard2018 · as Orville 'Turkey' Jackson (archive footage)
• This Is Bob Hope...2017 · as Self (archive footage)
• The Fabulous Allan Carr2017 · as Self (archive)
• Mansfield 66/672017
• Bob Hope: Entertaining the Troops2016 · as Self
• Jayne Mansfield: The Tragedy of a Blonde2015 · as Self (archive footage)
• Bing Crosby: Rediscovered2014 · as Self (archive footage)
• Bing Crosby: The Television Specials Volume 2 – The Christmas Specials2010 · as Self
• Dalí & Disney: A Date with Destino2010 · as Self (archive footage)
• The Best of Johnny Carson2010 · as Self (archive footage)
• 1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year2009 · as Self (archive footage)
• Johnny Carson Celebrates Christmas2008 · as Self
• The Best of Carson, Volume 12006
• Frankie Laine: An American Dreamer2006 · as Self (archive footage)
• Pioneers of Primetime2005
• Legendary Christmas Entertainers2005 · as Self
• Judy Garland: By Myself2004 · as Self (archive footage)
• Christmas in Hollywood2003 · as Self (archive footage)
• Bob Hope: The Road to Laughter2003 · as Self (archive footage)
• Biography: Bob Hope: America's Entertainer2003 · as Self
• 100 Years of Hope and Humor2003 · as Self
• Edith Head: The Paramount Years2002 · as Self (archive footage)
• Bob Hope and the Road to Success2002 · as Self (archive footage)
• Entertaining the Troops: Bob Hope & the USO2002 · as Self (archive footage)
• The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 12001 · as Self (archive footage)
• The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 22001 · as Self (archive footage)
• Hollywood Musicals of the 40's2000 · as Self (archive footage)
• Buñuel in Hollywood2000 · as Self (archive footage)
• Hidden Hollywood II: More Treasures from the 20th Century Fox Vaults1999 · as (archive footage)
• Behind The Music: The Day The Music Died1999 · as Self (archive footage)
• Television: The First Fifty Years1999 · as Self (archive footage)
• The Best of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts1998 · as Self - Roastee (archive footage)
• Vaudeville1997 · as Self (archive footage)
• The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender1997 · as Self (archive footage)
• Bob Hope: Laughing With the Presidents1996 · as Self - Co-Host
• Radio Star - Die AFN-Story1995 · as Self
• That's Entertainment! III1994 · as (archive footage)
• Shanks for the Memory1994
• That Little Monster1994 · as Bob Hope / Bob (uncredited)
• A Century of Cinema1994 · as Self
• Liberation1994 · as Self (archive footage)
• Bob Hope's Bag Full of Christmas Memories1993 · as Self
• Bob Hope's Four-Star Christmas Fiesta from San Antonio1992 · as Self
• Murderers, Mobsters, & Madmen: Volume 6: Hollywood Police Files1992 · as (archive footage) (uncredited)
• Stars and Stripes: Hollywood and World War II1991 · as Self
• Bob Hope's Christmas Cheer from Saudi Arabia1991 · as Self
• You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story1990 · as Self
• Dors: The Other Diana1990
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic1990 · as Self (archive footage)
• Sammy Davis, Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration1990 · as Self
• Bob Hope's Love Affair with Lucy1989 · as Self - Host
• Miss Piggy's Hollywood1989 · as Self
• Bob Hope's Super Bowl Party!1989 · as Self
• Bob Hope's Jolly Christmas Show1988 · as Self
• The Making of a Legend: Gone with the Wind1988 · as Self (archive footage)
• Irving Berlin's 100th Birthday Celebration1988 · as Self
• Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC1988 · as Self
• Just a Song and Dance1987
• Happy 100th Birthday, Hollywood1987 · as Self
• All Star Party for Clint Eastwood1986 · as Self
• TV's Funniest Comedians - 14 Stars Do Classic Routines1986 · as Self
• A Masterpiece of Murder1986 · as Dan Dolan
• Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special1986 · as Self
• Classic Comedy Teams1986 · as Self (archive footage)
• Spies Like Us1985 · as Self
• Hollywood's Funniest All-Star Bloopers1985 · as Self (archive footage)
• It's Ho-Ho Hope's Jolly Christmas Hour1984 · as Self - Host
• The Stars Salute the U.S. Olympic Team1984 · as Self
• Bob Hope's USO Christmas in Beirut1984 · as Self
• George Burns Celebrates 80 Years in Show Business1983 · as Self
• James Bond: The First 21 Years1983 · as Self
• Happy Birthday, Bob!1983 · as Self
• Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage1983 · as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
• Showbiz Goes to War1982 · as Self (archive footage)
• Women I Love: Beautiful But Funny1982 · as Self
• Let Poland Be Poland1982 · as Self
• The George Burns (Early) Early, Early Christmas Special1981 · as Himself
• A Love Letter to Jack Benny1981 · as Himself
• A Tribute to Dr. Shock1980 · as Self (archive footage)
• Lucy Moves to NBC1980 · as Self
• Bob Hope on the Road to China1979 · as Self - Host
• The Muppet Movie1979 · as Ice Cream Vendor
• Leif1979 · as Self
• The Hollywood Clowns1979 · as Self (archive footage)
• Derby Fever USA1979 · as Self
• Steve Martin: A Wild and Crazy Guy1978 · as Self
• Mickey's 501978 · as Self
• Pat Boone and Family: A Thanksgiving Special1978 · as Self
• NBC Salutes the 25th Anniversary of the Wonderful World of Disney1978 · as Self
• The Bob Hope All Star Christmas Comedy Special1977 · as Host / Barf Vader
• The Royal Variety Performance 19771977 · as Self
• The George Burns One-Man Show1977 · as Self
• Ann-Margret: Rhinestone Cowgirl1977 · as Self
• The Shirley MacLaine Special: Where Do We Go from Here?1977 · as Self
• Bob Hope's Comedy Christmas Special1976
• CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years1976 · as Self
• NBC: The First Fifty Years1976 · as Self
• Bob Hope's World of Comedy1976 · as Self - Host
• Bob Hope's Bicentennial Star Spangled Spectacular1976 · as Self
• Joys1976 · as Self
• Texaco Presents: A Quarter Century of Bob Hope on Television1975 · as Self
• Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?1975 · as Self (archive footage)
• Mitzi & 100 Guys1975 · as Self
• Hearts and Minds1974 · as Self (archive footage)
• The 1974 Annual Las Vegas Entertainment Awards1974 · as Self - Host
• Ann-Margret: When You're Smiling1973 · as Self
• The Bob Hope Mardi Gras Special1973 · as Self - Host
• Today: While You Were Away (1964-1973 Retrospective)1973 · as Commentator
• Cancel My Reservation1972 · as Dan Bartlett
• Richard1972 · as Self (archive)
• Hollywood: The Dream Factory1972 · as Self (archive footage)
• Festival at Ford's1971 · as Self
• The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World1971 · as Self
• The Great Radio Comedians1971 · as Self (archive footage)
• The Bob Hope Christmas Special1971 · as Self
• Jack Benny's 20th Anniversary TV Special1970 · as Self
• Honor America Day1970 · as Self
• Raquel!1970 · as Self
• Swing Out, Sweet Land1970 · as Self
• Roberta1969 · as Huck Haines
• How to Commit Marriage1969 · as Frank Benson
• The Dean Martin Christmas Show1968 · as Self
• The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell1968 · as Sgt. Dan O'Farrell
• Carnival Nights1968 · as Self
• The Bob Hope Christmas Special: Around the World with the USO1968 · as Self
• Rowan & Martin at the Movies1968 · as Self
• Eight on the Lam1967 · as Henry Dimsdale
• Bob Hope Comedy Special1967
• Not With My Wife, You Don't!1966 · as Self - USO Christmas Show (archive footage) (uncredited)
• Murder at N.B.C.1966
• Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!1966 · as Thomas J. 'Tom' Meade
• The Oscar1966 · as Bob Hope
• Bob Hope Christmas Show1965 · as Self
• The Jack Benny Hour1965 · as Bob Hope / Marcello
• I'll Take Sweden1965 · as Bob Holcomb
• The Lucille Ball Comedy Hour1964 · as Bill Blakely
• A Global Affair1964 · as Frank Larrimore
• The Sound of Laughter1963 · as Bing Fawcett - Plumber
• A Bob Hope Comedy Special1963 · as Self
• Call Me Bwana1963 · as Matt
• Critic's Choice1963 · as Parker Ballantine
• The Road to Hong Kong1962 · as Chester Babcock
• The Bing Crosby Show1961 · as Self
• Bachelor in Paradise1961 · as Adam J. Niles
• Project XX: The Story of Will Rogers1961 · as Self - Narrator
• The Facts of Life1960 · as Larry Gilbert
• Hedda Hopper's Hollywood1960 · as Self
• Alias Jesse James1959 · as Milford Farnsworth
• Some of Manie's Friends1959
• The All-Star Christmas Show1958 · as Self
• Paris Holiday1958 · as Robert Leslie Hunter
• Beau James1957 · as Mayor James J. 'Jimmy' Walker
• The Bob Hope Chevy Show1956 · as Himself/Ricky Ricardo
• The Iron Petticoat1956 · as Captain Chuck Lockwood
• That Certain Feeling1956 · as Francis X. Dignan
• The Awful Truth1956 · as Jerry Warner
• Showdown at Ulcer Gulch1956 · as Influential Man
• Lucy's Really Lost Moments1956 · as Self
• The Seven Little Foys1955 · as Eddie Foy
• Playing Fields Association: Cricket1955 · as Self
• Casanova's Big Night1954 · as Pippo Popolino
• Here Come the Girls1953 · as Stanley Snodgrass
• Scared Stiff1953 · as Skeleton (uncredited)
• Off Limits1952 · as Wally Hogan
• Road to Bali1952 · as Harold Gridley
• Son of Paleface1952 · as Peter Potter Jr.
• The Greatest Show on Earth1952 · as Spectator (uncredited)
• My Favorite Spy1951 · as Peanuts White / Eric Augustine
• The Lemon Drop Kid1951 · as Sidney Melbourne (The Lemon Drop Kid)
• Fancy Pants1950 · as Humphrey / Arthur Tyler
• Screen Actors1950 · as Self (uncredited)
• You Can Change The World1950 · as Self
• The Great Lover1949 · as Freddie Hunter
• Sorrowful Jones1949 · as Humphrey "Sorrowful" Jones
• The Paleface1948 · as 'Painless' Peter Potter
• Road to Rio1947 · as Hot Lips Barton
• Where There's Life1947 · as Michael Joseph Valentine
• Is Everybody Listening?1947 · as Bob Hope - Bob Hope Radio Program
• Variety Girl1947 · as Bob Hope
• My Favorite Brunette1947 · as Ronnie Jackson
• Monsieur Beaucaire1946 · as Monsieur Beaucaire
• Road to Utopia1946 · as Chester Hooton
• Hollywood Victory Caravan1945 · as Bob Hope
• Story of G.I. Joe1945 · as Bob Hope (Voice on Radio Program) (voice) (uncredited)
• Road to Home1945 · as Self
• The All-Star Bond Rally1945 · as Self - Host
• The Princess and the Pirate1944 · as Sylvester the Great
• Memo for Joe1944 · as Self
• Let's Face It1943 · as Jerry Walker
• Show-Business at War1943 · as Self
• Don't Hook Now1943 · as Self
• They Got Me Covered1943 · as Robert Kittredge
• Strictly G.I.1943 · as Self - Master of Ceremonies
• A Welcome to Britain1943 · as Self (uncredited)
• Combat America1943 · as Self
• Road to Morocco1942 · as Orville Jackson
• Bob's Busy Day1942 · as Bob
• My Favorite Blonde1942 · as Larry Haines
• Star Spangled Rhythm1942 · as Bob Hope
• Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 41942 · as Self
• Louisiana Purchase1941 · as Jim Taylor
• Nothing but the Truth1941 · as Steve Bennett
• Caught in the Draft1941 · as Don Bolton
• Road to Zanzibar1941 · as Fearless
• Cavalcade of the Academy Awards1940 · as Self - Master of Ceremonies
• The Ghost Breakers1940 · as Larry Lawrence
• Road to Singapore1940 · as Ace Lannigan
• The Cat and the Canary1939 · as Wally Campbell
• Some Like It Hot1939 · as Nicky Nelson
• Never Say Die1939 · as John Kidley
• Thanks for the Memory1938 · as Steve Merrick
• Give Me a Sailor1938 · as Jim Brewster
• College Swing1938 · as Bud Brady
• The Big Broadcast of 19381938 · as Buzz Fielding
• Calling All Tars1936 · as Bobby
• Shop Talk1936 · as Robert Hope Jr.
• Double Exposure1935 · as Photographer / Robert
• Watch the Birdie1935 · as Bob
• The Old Grey Mayor1935 · as Bob
• Paree, Paree1934 · as Peter
• Soup for Nuts1934 · as Master of Ceremonies
• Going Spanish1934 · as Bob
• Bob Hope: The Vietnam Years 1964-1972— · as Bob Hope

All TV Shows (65)

• O.J.: Made in America2016 · as Self (archive footage)
• Pebble Mill1991 · as Self
• The Simpsons1989 · as Bob Hope (voice)
• The Jim Henson Hour1989 · as Self
• The Golden Girls1985 · as Bob Hope
• Highway to Heaven1984 · as Sycopomp
• Late Night with David Letterman1982 · as Self
• Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters1980 · as Self
• The Kennedy Center Honors1978 · as Self
• The Captain and Tennille1976 · as Self - Guest
• The Muppet Show1976 · as Self - Special Guest Star
• Donny & Marie1976 · as Self
• People's Choice Awards1975 · as Self - Presenter
• Dinah!1974 · as Self
• The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts1973 · as Self
• Midi trente1972 · as Self
• V.I.P. Schaukel1971 · as Self
• Great Performances1971 · as Self
• Treffpunkte1970 · as Self
• The Barbara McNair Show1969 · as Self
• The Johnny Cash Show1969 · as Self
• The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour1969 · as Self
• The Dick Cavett Show1968 · as Self - Guest
• Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In1968 · as Self (uncredited)
• Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In1968 · as Self (uncredited)
• The Carol Burnett Show1967 · as Self (uncredited)
• The Carol Burnett Show1967 · as Self - Cameo Appearance (uncredited)
• The Danny Thomas Hour1967 · as Makeup Man
• The Pruitts of Southampton1966 · as Library Patron
• Get Smart1965 · as Room Service Attendant (uncredited)
• The Hollywood Palace1964 · as Self
• Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre1963 · as Self - Host
• The Lucy Show1962 · as Plumber's Assistant
• The Merv Griffin Show1962 · as Self
• The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1962 · as Self
• The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1962 · as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
• The Mike Douglas Show1961 · as Self - Co-Host
• The Mike Douglas Show1961 · as Self
• The DuPont Show of the Week1961 · as Self
• Kraft Music Hall1958 · as Self
• The Dick Clark Show1958 · as Self
• Frank Sinatra Show1957 · as Self
• The Thin Man1957 · as Self (uncredited)
• Tonight Starring Jack Paar1957 · as Self
• The Steve Allen Show1956 · as Self - Guest
• Tony Awards1956 · as Self
• Cinépanorama1956 · as Self
• Screen Director's Playhouse1955 · as Bob Hope (uncredited)
• The Chevy Show1955 · as Self
• The Wonderful World of Disney1954 · as Self
• Project XX1954 · as Narrator
• The Oscars1953 · as Self
• I Love Lucy1951 · as Bob Hope
• The Red Skelton Show1951 · as Bob Hope
• The Jack Benny Program1950 · as Bob Hope
• The Jack Benny Program1950 · as Bob Hope / Clyde
• Lux Video Theatre1950 · as Self - Intermission Guest
• Lux Video Theatre1950 · as Self - Lux Video Theatre Guest
• The Colgate Comedy Hour1950 · as Self
• The Colgate Comedy Hour1950 · as Self - Host
• The Bob Hope Show1950 · as Self - Host
• What's My Line?1950 · as Self
• The Ed Sullivan Show1948 · as Self
• Golden Globe Awards1944 · as Self - Presenter
• Talking Comedy—