The Museum of Broadcast Communications Celebrates
Bob Hope's 100th Birthday On May 29, 2003
(CHICAGO, April 30, 2003 PRNewswire/) Bob Hope fans will gather on Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 5:30PM to celebrate the 100th birthday of the legendary entertainer at the Museum of Broadcast Communications at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Hope, the quintessential performer who helped define American entertainment during the 20th century in vaudeville, on radio and television and in films, is a true American patriot, given his commitment to entertaining US troops abroad since World War Il.
Although raised in Cleveland, Hope considers Chicago the key city in his development as a performer. It was in Chicago in the late 1920's where Hope's down and out career was turned around. A Chicago talent agent, Charlie Cooley, got Hope a job at the Stratford Theater on the South side, where Hope mastered his comedy talents and was propelled to stardom.
The birthday party in Preston Bradley Hall is open to the public and will feature highlights of Hope's career as well as reflections from his Chicago friends, dignitaries and visiting stars.
Noted celebrity author Bill Zehme, of the Bravo Network, will host the official Chicago celebration. Music will be provided by the Great Lakes Naval Jazz Band. Representatives from the USO, VFW, the American Legion, and all branches of the American military have been invited.
A special birthday cheesecake from Eli's will be served. NBC/5, American Airlines and Hampton Inn & Suites are promotional partners in the Bob Hope 100th Birthday celebration. To expand the birthday celebration, throughout the month of May, the MBC is giving the public a chance to offer birthday wishes and memories of Bob Hope.
A special "Thanks for the Memories" area has been set up in the Museum's Comcast Center where videotaped birthday wishes can be recorded and guests can sign a giant birthday card. The video reflections will be sent to Hope and will also be part of the May 29th festivities.
There is no charge for the videotaped wishes.
"Bob Hope is truly an American icon-the premiere entertainer of the 20th century, who moved from New York stages, to Hollywood sets and to America's living rooms and made us laugh," said MBC Founder/President Bruce DuMont. "But Bob Hope also took his talents to the far corners of the world to entertain the men and women charged with protecting our national freedom and it is that commitment to service that endears him to millions," DuMont added.
No entertainer has traveled so far as Bob Hope-or so often-to entertain so many. After vaudeville, Bob's first major theatrical recognition came in 1933 in the landmark Broadway musical, "Roberta".
It was a landmark for Hope as well, for he then met a young and beautiful singer, Dolores Reade, who was appearing at a New York nightclub. The couple have been married since 1934.
In the red-hot world of radio in the '30s, Hope made it big- and then he went to Hollywood, where he continued appearing on radio via transcontinental hookup. By 1938, he had his own show on NBC radio, which began his lifelong association with the network. The show was a weekly habit, rated number one with American listeners. Hope did his last radio show in 1956.
Bob's success in radio led to movies and a long-term contract with Paramount. The co-stars of his films became guest stars on his radio shows. Hehas been awarded two honorary Oscars, along with two special awards and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
The "Road Pictures" with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour, made Hope a box office star. A Bob Hope movie on television on the "late-late show" today-is enjoyed by all ages.
Radio, movies, and a heavy schedule of personal appearances made Bob a star, but it was television that made him a super-star and a welcomed guest
in every living room of America. 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.
The formula, along with Bob's unshakable decision to avoid a weekly show, proved extremely successful. For 60 years (radio and television) Bob was an NBC headliner and Nielsen ratings king.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications is located at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street. For inforrnation, please call 312-629-6000. Visit www.museum.tv for updates.
SOURCE Museum of Broadcast Communications
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