Bob Hope

AKA:

Old Ski Nose

Birth Name:

Leslie Townes Hope

Birth Date:

May 29, 1903

Birth Place:

Eltham, London, England

Death Date:

July 27, 2003

Place of Death:

10346 Moorpark Street, Toluca Lake, California

Age:

100

Cause of Death:

Pneumonia

Cemetery Name:

Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana Cemetery

Claim to Fame:

Show Business

Bob Hope was a British-born American comedian, actor, singer, and dancer whose career spanned nearly 80 years. Born Leslie Townes Hope on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, London, he moved with his family to Cleveland, Ohio, at a young age. Hope began his entertainment career in vaudeville before transitioning to radio, Broadway, films, and eventually television. Known for his quick wit, comedic timing, and distinctive nose, he became one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century. He starred in more than 70 films, including the famous "Road" series with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. Beyond his work in entertainment, Hope was renowned for his tireless efforts entertaining U.S. troops overseas during conflicts from World War II through the Persian Gulf War, earning him the nickname "America’s most honored veteran" despite never serving in the military. He received numerous awards, including five honorary Oscars and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Fun Facts

He served as the USO entertainment coordinator for 60 years, entertaining troops across various wars, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War.

Bob Hope enjoyed one-night stands with showgirls and beauty queens — avoiding romantic entanglements with his beautiful co-stars in movies, who included such actresses as Lucille Ball, Jane Russell, Madeleine Carroll, Paulette Goddard, Joan Fontaine and Dorothy Lamour. After Hope crowned the Welsh beauty Miss World of 1961, Hope took Rosemarie Frankland on his 1961 Christmas trip to the Arctic, supported her when she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career and gave her a small part in his 1965 movie ‘I’ll Take Sweden. The affair went on for “nearly 30 years,” and the comedian called her “the great love of his life.’’ She died of a drug overdose in 2000.

He was nicknamed “Hopeless” by classmates due to a teacher calling the role roll with last names first.

Hope hosted the Academy Awards show 19 times, more than any other host. He also appeared in many stage productions and television roles and wrote 14 books.

The song “Thanks for the Memory” was his signature tune.

15-year-old Hope committed an unknown offense (probably shopliftng) for which he was “adjudged a delinquent” and sent to the Boys Industrial School in Lancaster, Ohio. Although he was released after a few months, young Hope violated his parole terms and was readmitted for at least another full year.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana Cemetery

15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd

Mission Hills, California, 91345

USA

North America

Grave Location:

Bob Hope Memorial Garden

Grave Location Description

Tucked away behind the chapel of the Mission San Fernando Rey de España you will find a meandering rose garden that pays tribute to American entertainer Bob Hope. Some find it easier to enter the adjoining San Fernando Mission Cemetery at Stranwood Avenue and veer slightly to the right and drive until the road ends. Walk on the path on your right that runs down the back of Bishop Alemany High School until you reach the half-shell domed private gravesite of Bob Hope and his long-suffering wife.