There’s hardly a person alive who doesn’t know Bob Hope or the impact he had on the entertainment industry. He is a star amongst stars and the inspiration for many who we now consider famous.
This is why I was pleasantly surprised to discover his grave at the Mission San Fernando Rey de España. I had no idea that he was buried somewhere other than Hollywood Forever or in some location where movie stars go after they die. Whoever arranged this has/had good taste… it wasn’t Bob because when he was asked where he wanted to be buried, his response was, “I don’t know. Surprise me.”
Walkthrough the Mission church and you will discover the Bob Hope Memorial Garden. It’s a peaceful and rather beautiful spot shared with his wife Dolores and other family members. A guard wanders the garden to (I think) make sure no one vandalizes the graves.
Back on the Boulevard, Hope’s hand and footprints are a permanent fixture at the Chinese Theatre. The first prints added to the Theatre were those of Mary Pickford in 1927, who was one of the stars who contributed the funds needed to build the Theatre. Hope’s prints were added in 1943, along with four others (Betty Grable, Dorothy Lamour, Monty Woolley, and Gary Cooper).
On the Boulevard, Bob is one of the few entertainers who dominates the walk. He has a star in all of the categories EXCEPT music. His wife, Dolores was a talented entertainer in her own right… she has a star for “theatre” and is known for her singing. She quit entertaining when she and Bob adopted four children. But, resurrected her career when she was in her 70s and 80s. And yes, her voice was just as compelling later in life.
Bob’s Television star…
…movie star…
…radio star…
…and theatre star. They are spread out over different locations along the walk and on both sides of Hollywood Boulevard. The first (if you are at the Chinese Theatre) is in front of the Theatre (with Dolores’ star). The last is at the end of the walk (6100 block) in a rather deserted part of the strip. This area felt a bit dodgy to me.
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