Bob Hope was an unparalleled comedic talent. Born Leslie Townes Hope on May 29, 1903 in Eltham England, he immigrated with his family to Cleveland at age four. The performer is perhaps best remembered for his decades abroad with the USO entertaining the U.S. Armed Forces. In 1997, Congress designated him the country’s first and only honorary veteran. Known for his quick wit, Hope became one of the top film stars of the 1940s with movies such as, “The Road to Singapore” with lifetime friend Bing Crosby, and many others. He also gained fame starring in such Broadway performances as “Roberta” and “Ziegfeld Follies,” as well as hosting a long-running weekly radio show, “The Bob Hope Show.” Hope died July 27, 2003 in Toluca Lake, California at age 100. He is noted as The Most Honored Entertainer by The Guinness Book of World Records. Bob Hope was made a Great Ohioan in 2022.

This photo, showing Bob Hope gets plaque on Hill, is courtesy of the Library of Congress.