by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright May 31, 2003
All Rights Reserved.

elebrating his 100th birthday, Americans showed gratitude to Bob Hope, whose 75-year show business career spanned the golden age of radio and television, becoming an American icon for a lifetime of selfless service, braving war zones to entertain U.S. armed forces during times of great national peril. Hope is perhaps best known for his USO shows during World War II, appearing in Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm, showing blistering wit and brash wisecracking, delighting homesick troops and leaving his mark on the American spirit. Too frail for public appearances since 2000, Hope still exhibited his irrepressible affection for one-liners. "I'm so old, they've canceled my blood type," Hope reportedly told his family, on the eve of his 100th birthday. Born May 29, 1903, Leslie Townes Hope in Eltham, England, his family immigrated to the U.S., settling in Cleveland, Ohio.

     Dedicating Bob Hope Square at Hollywood and Vine, Los Angeles joined 35 U.S. cities declaring "Bob Hope Day," a fitting tribute an American legend, whose career began in Vaudeville in the early 1920s, skipped to Broadway in 1927 and quantum leaped to Hollywood in 1938, completing a storybook career of 50 feature films. Hope's trademark song "Thanks for the Memories" debuted in his first movie, "The Big Broadcast of 1938." With co-stars Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour, Hope made eight "Road to . . ." movies, hopscotching the globe to exotic places, delighting audiences with his contagious charm and undaunted spirit. Hope won five special Academy Awards for humanitarian service and special devotion to the film business. On Hope's birthday, President Bush established "The Bob Hope Patriot Award," a special annual award for love of country, true patriotism and special devotion to the armed services.

     Leaving his mark on American culture, Bob Hope personifies the adventurous, big-hearted spirit, so much a part of the American soul. "For more than 75 years, Bob Hope has shown the world compassion, goodwill, and a uniquely American patriotic spirit," said California Gov. Gray Davis in a special state proclamation. Hope's buoyancy, boyish enthusiasm and trademark humor, was epitomized in David Riesman's brilliant study of the American character published in 1962 titled "The Lonely Crowd." Among other things, Riesman coined the term "extroverted," to define the American psyche. Though unable to talk now, Hope was a garrulous talker with an endless stream of entertaining humor. Like Jack Benny, Hope's humor operated on pure wit and delight, free from today's crudeness and endless profanity. Hope's brand epitomized enthusiasm, levity and incurable optimism.

     Though a funnyman by nature, Hope also doubled as a leading man, starring with some of Hollywood's most glamorous stars. Few comedians ever had the range to transition from standup comedy to leading film roles, though Hope played parts with razor-sharp wit and humor. "Golf is my real profession," he once remarked. "Show business paid my green fees," a reference to his passions for golf, where a major PGA tour event bears his name, "The Bob Hope Desert Classic." Hope's humor was officially non-partisan, playing golf with 11 U.S. presidents, growing especially close to former president Gerald R. Ford, whose wife established the world famous Betty Ford Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif. In his heyday, Hope was no slouch on the golf course, giving "golf lessons" to former presidents and world leaders. Hope's 100th birthday marks the end of a glorious era.

     Giving of himself freely—though paid for his USO shows—Hope reflects the generosity, compassion and decency, so much a part of the American makeup. When former president Ronald Reagan faded from the public stage with Alzheimers disease, it signaled the end of a golden age, when idealism still drove the American agenda. Though eras end, since Sept. 11 new realities make Hope's message of joyous patriotism even more relevant for a new generation. Declaring Bob Hope "citizen of the century," the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors acknowledged a lifetime of altruistic accomplishments. "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, admiration and best wishes given Dad by the American people," said Linda, daughter of the famed comedian, getting a small glimpse of the appreciation shown to her father. Recalling his selfless dedication to the U.S. armed forces, Hope deserves all the tributes and more.

     Bob Hope is one of only a few Americans to ever be honored as an honorary veteran of the U.S. military. He inspired troops in distant lands at a time of war, giving otherwise dispirited GIs reason for hope. On a USO tour in World War II, Hope held out a beautiful pinup girl to a frenzied group of soldiers. Showing the girl to the audience, Hope quipped, "This is why you're fighting this war," breaking the crowd into uproarious laughter. Going into the jungles of Vietnam or the sands of Kuwait, Hope went beyond Las Vegas or Atlantic City. He could have stayed behind, but he dared to be great. Though now frail and unable to talk, he's getting back what he richly deserves. "There's so much love and so much appreciation," said former co-star Eva Marie Saint. "If you look at a Bob Hope movie when you are down, or have the flu, it's like chicken soup"—not a bad act for anyone to follow.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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