"Our family left England shortly after I was born and sailed to America. What a glorious sight as all the little Hopes clambered up on deck as the ship steamed into New York Harbor." Leslie Townes Hope passed through Ellis Island in 1904, at the age of four. Almost 90 years later, he has become one of the most beloved and respected entertainers -- Bob Hope.

  After arriving in the United States, Hope, along with his parents and six brothers, settled in Cleveland, Ohio. After high school, Mr. Hope worked in his brother's butcher shop, spent time as a dance instructor, and dabbled in amateur boxing. However, the desire to entertain soon overwhelmed him.

  Bob Hope started out as a dancer in the local theatre, and later moved on to vaudeville. This work led to a brilliant career in comedy, for which Mr. Hope is most well-known.

  Mr. Hope made his feature film debut in "The Big Broadcast of 1938." He has since starred in 60 films. Although he has never won an Oscar, he has been honored by the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Science.

  Hope has also had a great deal of success in both radio and television. In fact, he has made over 500 television appearances to date.

  Although he has succeeded in all five areas of show business (theatre, vaudeville, radio, television, and film), many consider Hope's most important work to be entertaining this nation's troops overseas. Even during times of peace, Mr. Hope performed for millions of American GIs stationed all over the world. His annual Christmas show lasted 22 years, and included a slew of Hope's famous friends. He may not have been born here, but Bob Hope has proven himself to be a proud American.

  Mr. Hope has received over 50 honorary doctorates, and has been the recipient of thousands of awards. In 1990, Bob Hope was given an Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his outstanding work in the entertainment field, as well as being a superb humanitarian.

  Satirist Stan Freberg summed it up best when he said, "Bob's got the energy of 10 men, the talent of 20, and the love of millions."

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