Bob Hope turns 100

[Guest WrestlingDeacon]

The greatest entertainer of the 20th Century hits the century mark himself today and we can't let an event like this go by without some commemoration. I know the young guys around here might not be too up on Hope, but all are encouraged to share their thoughts, comments and memories. The USA Today has excellent feature on Hope in today's addition that gives a good outline of his humor, films and history. Some tidbits from that article and elsewhere:

 

Hope has made over 60 feature films and nearly 200 television specials over the years.

 

Hope was the original singer of the Christmas standard Silver Bells.

 

Hope invented the pro-am tournament in golf and has recorded six holes in one on the links.

 

Hope was a primary target of assasination by the Viet Cong during the Vietname War.

 

Hope has barely dodged death during his USO tours at least five notable times, including a plane that froze up in a snow storm in Alaska with the engines going out and a mad bomber who blew up Hope's hotel during the Vietnam War. Hope was late arriving to the hotel do to his cue card man having trouble loading the cards on their small transport.

 

Has hosted the Oscars more times than anyone else with 18 appearances. In 1975, a similar incident to what occured with Michael Moore on this year's show took place with a documentarian who won an award for a documentary he did on the Vietnam war and even read a telegram he recieved from the Viet Cong. Hope quickly wrote up a note that he made co-host Frank Sinatra read who was going out next that read, "The Academy does not condone ANY political statements made on this stage and is sorry that they had to encroach on the evening." (that's a paraphrase)

 

He has four stars on the Hollywood walk of fame for radio, television, film and music.

 

Was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1998.

 

Was part owner of the Cleveland Indians.

 

Is the most honored entertainer in history with over 1500 awards to his credit.

[Guest Youth N Asia]

I meant to post this earlier but forgot. Last few years he was looking like he wasn't going to make it,

[Guest HollywoodSpikeJenkins]

God bless man.

 

 

 

100....that's insane.

[Guest WrestlingDeacon]

I'm looking through the t.v. schedule and I'm disgusted to find no Bob Hope movies or specials on. You would think TCM would be all over this. NBC did have a special earlier in the month though that was quite good.

[Guest WrestlingDeacon]

Correction. Bravo is replaying the NBC Hope special at 8 p.m. tonight, followed by My Favorite Blonde at 10.

[Guest Mole]

Congrats for making 100 Bob. I don't know much of his work, but is an legend.