Just backup for my presentation on Bob Hope <3 ((was better but I had to fit it in three minutes))
Kathryn vonTersch 8B
November 2008
BOB HOPE
Hello you may know me, and you may not. But my name is Bob Hope.
Born with the name Leslie Townes Hope in May 29, 1903 I was the fifth of seven
boys. My Father’s name was William Henry Hope and my mothers name was Avis
Townes. I was born in England. My father was from that area and my mother was
Welsh. My Family moved to Ohio t in 1908 when I was only five years old. We
passed the check at Ellis island but I was not an official American citizen until I
was seventeen. During that time I worked at a variety of odd jobs at a local board
walk. I would Perform doing dance and comedy routines to make extra money. I
also entered many dancing and amateur talent contests, and won many prizes for
my impersonation of Charlie Chaplin. One man named Fatty Arbuckle saw one of
my performances and helped me start working with the acting and dancing group
Hurley’s Jolly Follies.
After a while I signed with Education Pictures but was fired after I made a few
inappropriate remarks about the picture I was in and a thief who was at large at the
time, John Dillinger. So not being signed on with Education pictures any longer I
decided to sign with Warner Brothers and was in the movie Paree, Paree. I was
then hired by paramount for a small series. During that time I was working with
Broadway and got a whole $100,000 dollars from one concert. That was worth four,
five, or more times more in my days. Because of this rocket in my career I decided
help during the wars so on may 6, 1941 I performed in front of the United Service
Organization, or USO, for the first time. In there times I guest starred on many
popular television shows like “I love Lucy” It was in this show that I threw away my
script saying “Script? I don’t need one of these!” and did the entire show by
comedic feel.
I continued my humanitarian work for many years performing to soldiers in the
battle fields of many wars including the Korean war, the Vietnam war, and the Gulf
war. In fact I worked so often with the soldiers that they conjured up the quote
“Where there is Death There is Hope.” I loved the veterans and soldiers and worked
to no end to help them and make sure that they were kept entertained. Little did I
know I would get so many awards for just doing what I loved. In 1960 I was awarded
the Jean Hersholt humanitarian award and In 1977 when I was seventy-four years
old I was named honorary veteran. Some quoted me saying "I've been given many
awards in my lifetime — but to be numbered among the men and women I admire
most — is the greatest honor I have ever received."
I died in 1903 only two months after my 100th birthday. I died at Toluca Lake
Just north of Hollywood With my family and friends present. I died what some would
consider “a wonderful death” My heart full of peace and the laughter of millions.
