Bob Hope Dead at 100; Radio Was Among His Earliest Conquests

Bob Hope is dead. The entertainer turned 100 in May. In addition to his film work and global tours as a stand-up comedian, Hope, who started in vaudeville, was a radio legend. He is a member of the NAB Radio Hall of Fame.
According to Hope’s official Web site, his first radio hit grew out of a personal appearance at New York’s Capitol Theater.
“In the interest of using radio to promote its box-office attractions, the ‘Capitol Family Hour’ hosted by Major Edward J. Bowes originated from the theater every morning. Bob, as one of the theater attractions, was booked for the show.” It was also his first appearance with Bing Crosby.
He appeared in 1933 on Rudy Valee’s “Fleischmann Hour” and other programs. But his blockbuster was the “Pepsodent Show” on Tuesday nights, which ran on NBC from 1938 to 1950. It has been described as radio’s highest-rated series during World War II. He did his last regular radio show in April 1956.
Hope also hosted 284 prime-time TV specials and starred in 60 films.