When you think about legendary Hollywood duos, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope might just take the cake. These two icons worked together for years, creating some of the most cherished moments in film history. Although they were different in many ways, their friendship was as strong as it was unique. Author Richard Zoglin, in an exclusive chat with Closer Weekly, shares that Bing and Bob were incredibly close and held a deep affection for each other. They weren't just co-stars; they were family.
Take, for instance, a scene from the 1942 film Road to Morocco. In it, Bing Crosby's character confesses his admiration for Bob Hope's character, Orville, saying, "I guess in my own way, I sorta love you." Just as things get a little mushy, a camel dramatically enters the scene and gives Bob a big, wet kiss. Bob's quick response? "All right, but you don’t have to slobber all over me!" Classic Bob Hope humor, right there.
From Screen Partners to Real-Life Buddies
Long before bromances were a thing, Bing and Bob were making audiences laugh with their seven Road to... films. These movies weren’t just about adventure—they were about two guys who knew how to have fun together. Their films followed a simple formula: trouble, quick-witted humor, Bing’s smooth singing, and Bob’s witty banter with the audience. According to Gary Giddins, author of Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams and Bing Crosby: Swinging on a Star, these films became "the most lucrative franchise in movie history." They weren’t just entertaining—they were groundbreaking.
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The story of their friendship begins in New York in 1933. Bob Hope, then an up-and-coming comedian, was invited to host one of Bing’s shows. It was love at first sight—or rather, love at first joke. They hit it off immediately, taking breaks together to trade jokes and test out new material on stage. The audience loved them, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Two Different Personalities, One Unbreakable Bond
Despite their undeniable chemistry, Bing and Bob were as different as night and day. Bing wasn’t the social butterfly type—he preferred a quieter life and wasn’t too fond of the glitz and glamour of stardom. Bob, on the other hand, thrived in the spotlight. According to Richard Zoglin, author of Hope: Entertainer of the Century, Bob sometimes felt that Bing was a bit aloof. "Bing and his wife never even invited me and Dolores to dinner," Bob once remarked. But despite these differences, their friendship only grew stronger over time. On set, they had a friendly rivalry to come up with the best jokes, but according to Giddins, "they never had a fight." Their camaraderie was undeniable.
