For the family of legendary comedian Bob Hope, Christmas wasn’t always about opening gifts on December 25. Instead, it was about waiting—waiting for Bob to come home after entertaining troops across the globe. “We’d get to open one or two things on Christmas Day,” shares Linda Hope, Bob’s eldest of four children, in an exclusive interview with Closer. “But the rest of the presents would stay under the tree until Dad could join us.”
Bob Hope's Commitment to the Troops
From the moment the United States entered World War II in 1941, Bob Hope dedicated his life to bringing joy to those serving their country. He left behind the world of vaudeville to perform for the troops through USO shows. “Whenever we’d ask, ‘Where’s Dad?’ my mom would gently remind us, ‘He’s out there doing something really important,’” recalls Linda, who coauthored the book Dear Bob… Bob Hope’s Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.s of World War II. This commitment wasn’t just a job for Bob—it was a calling that defined his career and legacy.
A Strong Woman Behind the Scenes
While Bob was out making the world laugh, his wife, Dolores Hope, kept their family together. A talented singer and avid golfer, Dolores married Bob in 1934 and became the backbone of their household. “My mom was the disciplinarian,” Linda explains. “She taught us how to behave at the dinner table and instilled values that shaped who we became.” But when Bob returned home, all bets were off. He’d toss napkins across the table or tell jokes during dinner, much to Dolores’s chagrin. “When Dad was around, everything felt magical,” Linda reminisces. “He brought laughter into every room he entered.”
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The Creative Partnership Between Bob and Dolores
Behind the scenes, Dolores played a crucial role in Bob’s career. She wasn’t just a homemaker; she was also his most trusted critic. “Dad respected her opinions more than anyone else’s,” says Linda. “He’d read his scripts aloud and ask for her feedback. It was fascinating for us kids to listen in and see how much she contributed to his work.” This partnership allowed Bob to refine his craft while ensuring that his family remained a priority.
A Family Tradition: The Rose Bowl Celebration
The Rose Bowl, held annually on New Year’s Day, became a cherished tradition in the Hope household. Bob invited everyone who participated in his USO tours to join him for the game, followed by a massive house party. “It was such a grand event,” Linda remembers fondly. “Dad would rent buses to transport everyone to the Rose Bowl. We even had live music and dancing afterward. At one point, we had two buses filled with people—it was unforgettable!” These celebrations weren’t just about fun; they were a way for Bob to express gratitude to those who supported him.
Gratitude Rooted in Humility
Bob Hope’s journey began in England, where he was born as the fifth of seven sons. His family immigrated to Chicago when he was just a toddler, seeking better opportunities. “His father worked as a stonemason, and America offered prospects that weren’t available back home,” Linda explains. Despite achieving fame, Bob never forgot his roots. He understood that his success was built on the support of the American public. “When I was about six years old, I asked him why he had to sign autographs for everyone,” Linda admits. “He told me, ‘These people buy tickets to our shows and watch our movies. They’re the reason we have food on the table.’”
A Legacy of Service and Honor
For Bob, traveling to entertain service members wasn’t a chore—it was an honor. “He saw the sacrifices they made every day,” Linda reflects. “In 1997, Congress declared him an honorary veteran, and it meant the world to him.” This recognition came during the presidency of Bill Clinton, and Bob described it as the greatest honor of his life. “He felt deeply humbled by it,” Linda says. “It was a testament to the love and respect he had for the military community.”
