In a rash of recent celebrity deaths, the latest is veteran Bob Hope who died of pneumonia at age 100 at his home in Toluca Lake, California on Sunday. Although Hope appeared in over 60 movies in a career than spanned vaudeville, radio, television and the big screen, he is probably best remembered for his dedicated service to the allied armed forces.

Born Leslie Townes Hope on May 29, 1903 in Eltham, England, Hope made his entry into show business as a dancer in an act called the Jollie Follies in 1924. One year later, and billed as Lester Hope, he teamed with George Byrne in a song and dance act in vaudeville. In 1927, they made their debut on Broadway in Sidewalks of New York. After a split with Byrne, Hope went solo, changed his name to Bob, and met his wife Dolores in 1933. One year later they married, remaining a couple for almost seven decades.

A film appearance in the Big Broadcast of 1938 introduced us to his signature tune, Thanks For the Memory. Other film roles included the critically acclaimed Seven Little Foys and the popular Road To comedies alongside Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. In addition to winning five honorary Academy Awards (and hosting the telecast 18 times), other honors included two Emmy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award in Comedy from the American Comedy Awards, two Golden Globes, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild and the status of "Honorary Veteran" by the U.S. Congress. Hope was also a best selling author with his first book, the autographical They Got Me Covered in 1941.

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