World
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2023 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
Don’t miss our latest news! Sign up today for our free newsletter.
Scroll To Top
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Bob Hope dies at 100; comedian had advocated against antigay violence
Comedian Bob Hope, who parlayed an uncanny sense of timing and ability to toss off one-line jokes into a legendary show-business career, has died peacefully at age 100 with his family at his side, a family spokesman said on Monday. Hope died of pneumonia on Sunday night at 9:28 p.m. at his home in the Los Angeles suburb of Toluca Lake, spokesman Ward Grant said.
Although the spot never aired, Hope had recorded a public service announcement for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation decrying antigay violence. The 1988 PSA can be viewed at www.commercialcloset.org.
In a statement issued to reporters outside the family home, Hope's wife of 69 years, Dolores Hope, asked friends and fans to celebrate his life, not just mourn his passing. "While we mourn the passing of such a wonderful and remarkable man, we ask that his friends and fans celebrate his life, a life that Bob loved and lived to the fullest." Hope is survived by his wife; two sons, Anthony and Kelly; two daughters, Linda Hope and Nora Somers; and four grandchildren. The family said the burial would be private and for immediate family only and that details on a permanent memorial would be announced at a later date.
Hope, who was born in England, was the ultimate comedian, a master of timing who turned the one-liner into an art form and became a national institution. His career, which included stints as an amateur boxer, minstrel in black face, and dancer, spanned seven decades in which he starred in five mediums: vaudeville, radio, stage, movies, and television. Virtually running his own joke factory by employing almost 100 writers, Hope was able to draw on a collection of hundreds of thousands of jokes that specialized in sexual double entendres, gags about his ski-slope nose, and lines that paid homage to his decided lack of humility and willingness to con anyone.
Hope was one of the first superstars and one of the 20th century's greatest comedians. He also pioneered with Bing Crosby one of Hollywood's most enduring film genres--the buddy movie. Crosby and Hope became one of the screen's great couples in a succession of Road movies beginning with 1940's Road to Singapore, which was originally a serious drama called The Road to Mandalay that was turned into a comedy first for George Burns and Gracie Allen and then for Jack Oakie and Fred MacMurray, all of whom turned it down.
During the Vietnam War, Hope was criticized for being a "hawk" who supported the conflict. But he said he was really a middle-of-the-road supporter who wanted the war to end and even tried twice to visit Hanoi and arrange prisoner releases.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Lauren Boebert Caught Fondling Date’s Genitals During Family-Friendly Musical: Video
September 15 2023 11:20 PM
Don’t miss our latest news! Sign up today for our free newsletter.
Watch Now: Advocate Channel
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Latest Stories
Florida College Enters Deal with Department of Education Over Its Alleged Civil Rights Violations
September 30 2023 4:09 PM
Pete Buttigieg Has to Keep Explaining to Republicans That Seasons Aren't Climate Change
September 30 2023 10:00 AM
Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson Mix Art and Crime in Gay Director Nicol Paone's 'Kill Room'
September 29 2023 9:51 PM
Homophobe Matt Gaetz Seeks Democratic Alliance to Oust McCarthy Amid Shutdown Drama: Report
September 29 2023 6:30 PM
Dylan Mulvaney Is Trevor Project's Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year
September 29 2023 4:29 PM
Outfest's Union Effort Meets Employee Layoffs and Executive Director Takes Leave of Absence
September 29 2023 4:00 PM
Dianne Feinstein Remembered by Political Leaders as a 'Titan' in the U.S. Senate
September 29 2023 12:36 PM
Woman Pleads Guilty to Bomb Threat Against Hospital Providing Gender-Affirming Care to Youth
September 29 2023 11:41 AM
How Jonathan Van Ness Clapped Back at Megyn Kelly Over Mocking Trans Inclusion in Sports
September 28 2023 6:34 PM
Lauren Boebert Under Fire for Horrifying Transphobic Comments About Pentagon Official
September 28 2023 6:14 PM