Leslie Townes Hope was born in Eltham on May 29th 1903.
His family sailed on board the SS Philadelphia to America when Hope was just four years old, finally settling in Ohio. As a child prodigy, he won countless talent shows as Lester Hope. He even boxed, winning three fights (losing only one) in 1919, fighting under the name Packy East. When he turned 17 his folks were naturalised, making him and his brother US citizens in the process.
Then came his entry into the world of show business in the 1920’s, and after adopting the name Bob in 1928 what he went on to achieve throughout his career is simply breathtaking.
Being a star of Vaudeville, network radio, television and more than 70 appearances in films, including 7 ‘Road’ movies wasn’t enough for Bob Hope, who also wrote fourteen books. He hosted the Academy Awards a record 19 times. Often joking that the ceremony in his home was better known as ‘passover’ and after completing nigh on sixty tours entertaining the American Armed Forces, Congress passed a bill making him an honorary veteran. In 1982, Eltham’s Little Theatre changed its name to honour Bob Hope.
He was the first presenter on television to use cue cards, which prompted this conversation between him and his long-time writer Gene Perret.
Pointing to the cue cards, Bob asked
‘What are those?’ And Gene told him
‘They’re idiot boards. See, they even named them after you!’
The Guinness Book of World Records officially recognises Bob Hope as the most decorated entertainer in history amassing more than 2000 awards, citations and honorary degrees. Five special Academy Awards (including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award), two Emmy Awards, and four stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1997 and the following year added an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) from Queen Elizabeth II
Bob Hope wasn’t all about entertainment. Charity was very important to him, and he was a very generous benefactor. Through his golf tournament, the Bob Hope Desert Classic, he raised hundreds of millions of dollars for local charities, hospitals and youth programs. He was a major driving force and fundraiser for the Eisenhower Medical Centre and an active supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
We couldn’t be prouder of our Brother Water Rat number 772
Bob passed away in Toluca Lake on July 27th 2003.
Biography by Brother Rat Paul Adams
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