What happened this week in 1935?
Bob Hope made his first national radio appearance.
Bob Hope made his first national radio appearance.
On January 4, 1935, comedian, actor, and Radio Hall of Fame inductee Bob Hope made his first appearance on NBC network radio as part of The Intimate Revue. Sponsored by Bromo Seltzer, this variety show featured Hope as M.C. with Jane Froman, James Melton, and the Al Goodman Orchestra. Although The Intimate Revue lasted only fourteen weeks, it was the start of Hope's work with NBC which lasted over 60 years. Hope holds two entries in The Guinness Book of World Records, one for being the entertainer with "the longest running contract with a single network" and a second for being "the most honored entertainer." | |
Hope is perhaps best known for his dedicated and tireless work raising the morale of American troops during war and peace. Leading an itinerant group of Hollywood stars around the world, Hope performed for troops from WWII through the Gulf War. Both a Navy ship and an Air Force transport plane were named for him (rare accolades for someone alive at the time of the launch). Hope was named an Honorary Veteran by Congressional Resolution, the only person ever to have received such a commendation.