Griffin Speaks

BOB HOPE DEAD AT 100

I was driving the other day doing something that I rarely do and that is listen to the radio, when I heard Dick Gregory joking about Bob Hope. Dick Gregory said: “In 2003 when it was announced that Bob Hope had died, I said to myself, “I thought he was already dead.” All I could say was Bob Hope’s family need to fly to Chicago and kiss Jesse Jackson’s feet because the reason Bob Hope lived to be 100 was for years Jesse went around praying “keep Hope alive.”  Someone asked me “Dick, why don’t you get Jesse to pray for you to stay alive?” I said, “Don’t be ridiculous, Jesse can’t go around praying, “Keep Dick alive!”  I am still laughing! 

Bob Hope was a wonderful man. The fifth of seven sons, he was born Leslie Townes Hope in Eltham, England on May 29, 1903. His father was William Henry Hope, a stonemason and his mother, Avis Townes Hope was an aspiring concert singer and cleaning lady. Hope moved to America with his parents and siblings at the age of four. According to Hope he moved to America when he found out he couldn’t be king. 

He became one of Paramount’s biggest stars, and would remain with the studio through the 1950s. He became one of the best known entertainers in North America. He was married to his wife Dolores for 69 years. On his death bed, July 27, 2003 at the age of 100 his wife Dolores asked him where he would like to be buried, he responded, “Surprise me!” 

Bob Hope’s widow Dolores is still living at the age of 101. The secret to their longevity I suppose is laughter!

 In the words of my dad, “You must honor the chair whether it is sitting, walking or lying down.”

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com or write to him at P.O. Box 250194 Montgomery, Alabama 36125-0194. 

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