Bob Hope, a legendary figure in the annals of entertainment, possessed a career that was truly unparalleled, spanning the realms of comedy, film, and philanthropy. From his early days as a comedian and dancer on the vaudeville circuit to his later roles as a radio host, film actor, and television personality, he left an indelible mark on every medium he touched.
Illustrious Career
Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope, a British-born American comedian, actor, and producer, captivated audiences worldwide with his unparalleled wit and charm. Born on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, London, United Kingdom, Hope’s career spanned nearly 80 years, leaving an indelible mark on vaudeville, network radio, television, and USO Tours. His comedic genius shone through in over 70 short and feature films, with 54 of them featuring him in starring roles.
Hope’s journey into the world of entertainment began with humble origins, but his talent quickly propelled him to stardom. With a career that transcended generations, he became a beloved figure known for his quick wit and infectious laughter. His performances on stage and screen endeared him to audiences of all ages, earning him widespread acclaim and admiration.
Throughout his illustrious career, spanning nearly eight decades, Hope excelled in various facets of entertainment. His filmography boasted over 70 short and feature films, with 54 of them featuring him as the star. He also hosted the Academy Awards show a record 19 times, solidifying his status as a Hollywood icon. His comedic timing, characterized by rapid-fire delivery and self-deprecating humor, helped establish modern American stand-up comedy.
Marital Life
Hope’s romantic life was marked by two significant marriages, the first being to his vaudeville partner Grace Louise Troxell in 1933. Troxell, a secretary from Chicago, Illinois, tied the knot with Hope on January 25, 1933, in Erie, Pennsylvania. The couple shared the stage at prestigious venues like the Palace Theatre and the RKO Albee, showcasing their talents in comedic routines. However, their union was short-lived, and they divorced in November 1934.
During his partnership with Troxell, Hope’s path crossed with singer Dolores Reade, who joined his vaudeville troupe in 1933. Reade, described as a former Ziegfeld beauty and society’s favorite nightclub entertainer, quickly captured Hope’s attention. Despite being legally married to Troxell at the time, Hope and Reade developed a relationship that led to marriage. Their union was shrouded in ambiguity, with conflicting accounts of their wedding date and location.
While Hope claimed to have married Reade in February 1934, evidence suggests that he was still married to Troxell until their divorce in November 1934. The true details of his marriage to Reade remain elusive, with no official records or wedding photos to confirm their union.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their marriage, Hope and Reade built a life together and eventually adopted four children: Linda, Anthony “Tony,” Kelly, and Eleanora “Nora.” Their family expanded further when they became legal guardians to Tracey, the youngest daughter of famous New York City bar owner Bernard “Toots” Shor and his wife, Marion “Baby” Shor.
In 1937, Hope and Reade settled in the Toluca Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, where they would reside for the rest of their lives. This home on 10346 Moorpark Street became a sanctuary for their growing family and witnessed the joys and challenges of their enduring relationship. Throughout their years together, Hope and Reade navigated the complexities of show business and family life, leaving a lasting legacy that endures to this day.
Extramarital Affairs
Throughout his illustrious career, Bob Hope’s public image as an entertainer was accompanied by a reputation as a womanizer. Despite his marriage to Dolores Reade, Hope was known to engage in extramarital affairs with numerous women, ranging from chorus girls to beauty queens, and aspiring showbiz talents. This aspect of his personal life was well-documented, with author Richard Zoglin noting that Hope continued to pursue relationships with other women well into his later years, often seen with a different companion on his arm every night.
One notable affair occurred in 1949 when Hope met Barbara Payton, a contract player at Universal Studios, during a publicity tour in Dallas. Their relationship quickly escalated, with Hope arranging for Payton to reside in an apartment in Hollywood. However, the affair turned sour as Payton’s expectations clashed with Hope’s perceived lack of generosity and attention.
To avoid further scandal, Hope quietly paid off Payton to end their association. Despite efforts to keep the affair under wraps, Payton later exposed their relationship in a tell-all article published in Confidential magazine in July 1956. While the revelation caused a temporary stir, it did little to tarnish Hope’s career in the long run.
Another well-known affair involved actress Marilyn Maxwell, with whom Hope reportedly had a long-term relationship. Their liaison was so public that Maxwell was often referred to as “Mrs. Bob Hope” within the Hollywood community, highlighting the extent of their association.
Among the various women linked to Hope, Rosemarie Frankland stands out as a significant figure in his personal life. Frankland, a beauty queen who held the title of Miss World 1961, allegedly engaged in a 30-year affair with Hope, described by some as “the great love of his life.”
The theme of Hope’s infidelities has also found its way into popular culture, notably depicted in the 2020 film “Misbehaviour.” The movie explores the Women’s Liberation protests at the Miss World 1970 competition, which Hope hosted. Actor Greg Kinnear portrays Hope in the film, highlighting the enduring fascination with this aspect of the entertainer’s life and its impact on his public persona.
Final Days
However, as the years passed, the toll of age began to manifest. In the late 1980s, Hope started to show signs of decline. His once-sharp memory began to falter, leading to struggles with remembering lines during performances. Despite efforts to conceal his confusion, including whispering to his longtime pianist and music arranger, Jeff Clarkson, his performances became abbreviated, and he often relied on audience interaction to fill the gaps.
Moreover, Hope’s physical health also began to deteriorate. A careless incident with a prop pistol on a movie set in 1963 led to corneal blood clots in his left eye, threatening his sight. Over the years, his vision worsened, requiring him to compensate with his good eye. Combined with hearing impairment, Hope faced increasing challenges in maintaining tempo and delivering his lines.
Despite these struggles, Hope’s legacy remained strong. Honors continued to pour in, with the Air Force and Navy naming aircraft and ships after him. President Bill Clinton signed a bill naming him an honorary veteran, recognizing his tireless efforts in entertaining and boosting morale among American troops during wartime.
In addition to his entertainment career, Hope was also known for his philanthropic endeavors and support for the United Service Organizations (USO), where he entertained American troops stationed around the world. His dedication to bringing joy to servicemen and women earned him a special place in the hearts of many.
On July 27, 2003, at the age of 100, Bob Hope passed away in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, California, United States, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire laughter and joy. Despite his passing, Bob Hope’s contributions to the world of entertainment and his philanthropic efforts continue to be celebrated and cherished by audiences worldwide.
In his final moments, surrounded by loved ones, Hope’s last words epitomized his enduring wit and humor. When asked by his wife, Delores, where he wanted to be buried, he quipped, “Surprise me.” With his passing, the world bid farewell to a true icon, whose laughter-filled performances and charitable endeavors touched the hearts of millions.
