Bob Hope is hands-down the most acclaimed, honored and versatile entertainer in show business history. During his seventy-plus years in the entertainment industry, Hope earned more than two thousand awards and recognitions for his various professional and humanitarian work, including an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, a Congressional Gold Medal from President Kennedy, the Medal of Freedom from President Johnson, and fifty-four honorary doctorates. Hope's Christmas specials, USO shows, radio and television programs, and regular appearances on numerous sitcoms and variety shows have some of the highest ratings of any primetime telecasts. Because of this well-deserved praise, it is difficult to choose only a few television appearances as the "Best Of" Hope's career. Instead, it is better to look at the huge variety of shows Hope appeared on and why this versatile performer became America's most beloved entertainer.
Born in England May 29, 1903, Hope and his family traveled to America in 1908 aboard the SS Philadelphia. Ironically, Hope was a relative latecomer to television; he dabbled in experimental broadcasts with NBC in the 1930s but held off almost twenty years before starting his illustrious career. He began his official television career on Easter Sunday, 1950, on NBC. His specials, most of which were sponsored by the Chrysler corporation, were often hysterically unscripted variety programs that featured such guest stars as Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Marilyn Monroe and Dina Shore.
Christmas Specials
Hope got significant recognition for his gut-busting Christmas specials. These specials ran for years and featured duet performances of "Silver Bells" by Hope and adorable young guest stars, such as Olivia Newton-John and Brooke Shields. The most memorable Bob Hope Christmas specials were, without a doubt, his 1970 and 1971 episodes. Filmed in front of military audiences at the height of the Vietnam War, these specials actually aired in January -after Hope was back in the United States- and were seen by more than sixty percent of television-viewing households in America. Like his other Christmas specials, the Vietnam shows were all about celebrating the traditional joy, peace and good cheer of the season. His use of humor, beautiful women and talented performers were a welcome respite from the horrors of the war itself.
USO Performances
Hope is probably best known for his performances for the United Service Organization (USO), beginning with his USO debut at March Field, California, on May 6, 1941. Hope performed USO shows throughout World War II, prompting acclaim from such contemporaries as John Steinbeck. "It is impossible to see how he can do so much," Steinbeck wrote in 1943, "can cover so much ground, can work so hard, and can be so effective." Hope continued his USO shows during the Korean War, Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War, heading roughly sixty tours in total. Because of his tireless dedication to the overseas troops, Hope was awarded the impressive Sylvanus Thayer Award by the U.S. Military Academy in 1968. He was named an Honorary Veteran by a 1997 act of Congress, signed by President Clinton, a recognition Hope referred to as "the greatest honor I have ever received."
Sitcom Appearances
Hope also appeared on a number of popular television programs during his career. Hope did a guest spot on America's favorite TV show of the 1950s, "I Love Lucy". Supposedly, Hope balked at the idea of using a script. He ad-libbed the entire episode, legend goes, giving one of his best performances in the process. He also appeared on the Danny Thomas Show, the Jack Benny Show, the Ed Sullivan Show, the Donny & Marie Show, and others.
Saying Good Bye
Hope bid a nostalgic farewell to his television audiences in 1996 with "Laughing with the Presidents," a special he co-hosted with Tony Danza. In this special, Hope gave a very personal tribute to the U.S. presidents he had known and worked with during his career; Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Kennedy, Johnson, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and others. The show was a fitting and entertaining good-bye to the hardest working entertainer in American history.
It's not surprising that Bob Hope was so heavily recognized for his work. Radio and television programs, USO shows, Christmas specials, books, movies; the man did it all. He helped the world smile during troubling times. He lent his celebrity status to good causes. He championed humor and fun as the best tool in achieving peace at home and abroad. Hope wasn't only a great entertainer; he was an amazing humanitarian.
~Ben Anton, 2008
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- 1970s Classic Television On DVD Bring Variety Stars Like Sonny And Cher Back To Fans
- Classic Television Show DVD Popularity On The Rise
- Bob Hope: His Classic Television Performances
- A Classic Television Show Lives On
- Dvds Bring Classic Donny And Marie Back To The Small Screen
- Classic Tv Dvds And Memorabilia Growing In Popularity
- Keep Smiling With TV Theme Songs
- The increasing popularity of TV Shows




Learn to Play Piano Basic Lessons
By: Sarah Walther | 31/12/2009If learning how to play the piano has been a goal of yours then here is some good news for you. Did you know that you can take basic piano lessons on the Internet that will teach you everything you need to know to become an excellent piano player? These...
Reasons Why You Should Learn to Play Piano
By: Sarah Walther | 31/12/2009There are roughly umpteen zillion reasons why you should learn enough chords to be able to "chord a song" at the piano. By "chord a song", I mean the ability to play 3 or 4 chords on the piano in some sort of rhythm while you or someone else sings the...
Learn to Play Piano With Goals
By: Sarah Walther | 31/12/2009To learn to play piano is similar to many other human activities. There are principles involved that will help you feel confident and also make you feel happy as you travel the road to become the pianist you want to become! How can you learn to play piano by observing...
Learn to Play Piano - Equipment You Should Have
By: Sarah Walther | 31/12/2009Learning piano is a wonderful thing. Many of us wish to learn piano and play the beautiful melodies that everyone cherishes. The primary need is that of a nice piano, and also a good piano teacher of course! But still, there are more requirements. Equipments such as pedal extenders and...
Tips For Teaching Yourself to Learn to Play Piano
By: Sarah Walther | 31/12/2009The piano is an exquisite musical instrument that may be a bit intimidating to learn but is worth every sweat, time and money you'll spend. If you want to teach yourself to play piano easily and fast, start now. The earlier you begin, the better you'll be and the earlier...
Digital Photography Tricks - Revealing Your Digital SLR's Secrets!
By: Paul Summers | 31/12/2009This article is aimed primarily at digital SLR users, and provides helpful tips to make the most of camera functionality.
Presenting you with the safest internet procedures for Naruto Download
By: rockks | 31/12/2009Naruto takes you deep inside a colorful domain where action, thrills and captivating adventure are your fun-triggering allies. It’s a beyond comparison anime experience with bazillions of ardent viewers spread world-wide. Naruto episodes embrace story about a brave boy who has only single aim ruling his complete mindset, he craves to be recognized as the greatest ninja’s ever. But his path towards recognition is laden with thorny difficulties and unless he overcomes them, there is not even a ble
A non-compromising approach to watch Friends online
By: rockks | 31/12/2009Friends presented a memorable story of bonding between best buddies. Each one is a uniquely different personality facing different situations from time to time. The show weaves a beautiful story around these characters that embraces fun, moments of high-intensity emotions, events generating utmost ecstasy and an unrivaled relational bonding.
Understanding Device Testing Labs, Tools and Debugging
By: Ben Anton | 07/09/2009 | ComputersDevice testing involves ensuring the quality and/or interoperability of a product. In order for devices to achieve certification from a company or standards organization, the device must pass compliance tests, which ensure it will work with other certified products. Nearly all companies require conforming one's product to stated specifications and...
Localization Testing: Introducing Your Product to an Expanded Market
By: Ben Anton | 06/05/2009 | ComputersIn computing, localization is the process of modifying software and translating text so that it is more suited for a specific area or language. It involves adding culture-specific components for a region. Similarly, the localization of a product or device involves adapting the product or device so that it can...
Prepping Your Lawn Mower for the Summer
By: Ben Anton | 20/04/2009 | GardeningYour lawnmower is an investment that will keep your lawn turning heads-as long as you take care of the engine. Proper lawnmower care is crucial to for smooth performance. The changing seasons require certain precautions to properly store the lawn mower while it is not in use. Here are six...
Making Your Emergency Kit Top Priority in 2009
By: Ben Anton | 10/02/2009 | Home ImprovementMany people dismiss the time honored-tradition of making personal resolutions this time of year. That tradition has gone along the wayside for most - the idea of adding pressure to our hectic lives seems daunting in this day and age. While I am not one to encourage people to make...
Know Your Gasoline Powered Small Engine
By: Ben Anton | 16/01/2009 | AutomotiveFrom large industries to the average homeowner, gasoline powered small engines are widely used to complete major and minor tasks all over the world. Lawn mowers, air compressors and pumps are among the most the popular equipment that utilizes this machinery. They also power ATVs, motorcycles, scooters and certain light...
Before You Call a Mold Remediation Service: Tips For Home Owners
By: Ben Anton | 08/01/2009 | Home ImprovementThe wet season can also be the mold season in many areas of the country. Mold is often found near sources of water where it can easily grow and reproduce. As it grows, mold can breakdown and compromise the integrity and strength of the source in which it lives. When...
Overeating Dogs: Is Your Pup One?
By: Ben Anton | 08/01/2009 | PetsHope for the opposite as we may, humans don't enter this world on an even playing field. Even excluding complex socioeconomic issues, inequality lurks in our medical charts: some of us are genetically predisposed for medical issues such as heart disease and certain cancers. A study from Harvard's School of...
Snowmobile Repair: Seven Steps of Prep
By: Ben Anton | 02/01/2009 | AutomotiveBefore you take your snowmobile out for a spin this winter season, it is important to make sure it is ready for what you have in store. Some snowmobile owners recommend taking your machine in for service at the end of the season, rather when the season begins to make...