Bob Hope

Bob Hope was one of the most beloved and renowned vaudeville, radio, television, and film star of his time. With his start on Vaudeville as a dancer and comedic enertainer, he soon moved to Broadway acting. It was during his Broadway musical days that he met his wife, Dolores.

"Bob's first hit radio show all began from an appearance one day at New York's Capitol Theater. Bob was booked for a role on the "Capitol Family Hour" hosted by Major Edward J. Bowes. His appearance on the show at the capitol was a career boost for Bob Hope because it was alos the first time he appeared with singer Bing Crosby. However, Bob's first real major radio appearance was on the "Fleishmann Hour." Bob became so succesful in radio that it led to his further career succes in Hollywood where he had a long-term contract with Paramount. The costars of his movies became the guest stars of his radio shows.

Soon, Bob's appearence in The "Road Pictures" with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour made him a box office star.In all, Hope starred in more than 50 feature films and has appeared in cameos for another 15 When it came to radio, Hope had the status of #1 at the box office. But it was television that made him a true star. He appeared on the first commercial television broadcast on the West Coast in 1947; and was a surprise guest on Ed Sullivan's "Toast of the Town" in 1949. Bob made his formal debut on NBC television Easter Sunday, 1950.Frigidaire sponsored the special, "Star Spangled Revue," which featured Bob's guest stars, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Beatrice Lillie, and Dinah Shore. For 60 years (radio and television) Bob was an NBC headliner and Nielsen ratings king. (Bob Hope)