Bob Hope Quotes

Powerful Bob Hope for Daily Growth

About Bob Hope

Robert Spencer Hope, popularly known as Bob Hope, was an American comedian, actor, singer, dancer, athlete, and author. Born on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, London, England, to English-born parents William Henry Hope and Avis (Compton) Hope, he moved with his family to Cleveland, Ohio, USA, at the age of four. Growing up in a poor neighborhood, Hope developed a love for humor as a means of coping with hardship. He dropped out of school at 12 to work in a vaudeville act alongside his brother, Jimmy, and later joined a comedy team called Three Hope Brothers. In 1934, Hope made his film debut in "The Big Broadcast" and quickly rose to fame with his quick wit and charming personality. He became a regular in 'Road to' movies, a series of films co-starring Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. Hope's career took a significant turn during World War II when he started entertaining American troops overseas. This led to the creation of his signature TV specials, "Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre" and "Bob Hope Specials," which continued until 1991. Apart from films and television, Hope was also a prolific author, writing several books including "I Never Left Home: A World War II Memoir" (1994), "The Shape of Things to Come" (1956), and "Road to Omaha: My Wartime Memories" (1957). Throughout his illustrious career, Hope received numerous accolades including five Emmy Awards, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and three SAG Life Achievement Awards. He passed away on July 27, 2003, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and entertainment that continues to inspire. One of his most famous quotes, "I have a very simple philosophy: Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. Scratch where it itches." encapsulates his life motto - to live simply, find joy in the little things, and spread laughter wherever he went.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I left home at seventeen, joined the Army, and saw a little of the world. I'm writing a book. Four words: Too much information."

This quote suggests that Bob Hope, after leaving home at 17 to join the army, gained more life experiences than he might have wanted or needed. The phrase "Too much information" implies that these experiences were beyond what was necessary for him to write his book, suggesting either an excess of material or a sense of exhaustion from processing so much information. It's a humorous way of expressing the idea that sometimes more knowledge or stories can be overwhelming.


"A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man."

This quote, spoken by Bob Hope, humorously reflects the societal norms of wealth and gender roles during his era. It suggests that traditional success for men is measured by their ability to earn more than their wives spend, while success for women lies in finding such a man. However, it's essential to note that contemporary perspectives might find this quote outdated due to the progress made in gender equality, financial independence, and shared responsibilities within relationships.


"I have seen what a laugh can do. It can confront despair and turn your day around."

This quote emphasizes the transformative power of laughter, suggesting that even in the face of despair, a hearty laugh has the ability to redefine one's perspective and improve their day. In essence, it highlights the healing potential of humor and joy during difficult times.


"I've had a failure at love, I think that may be the best qualification for it."

This quote suggests that personal experiences, especially those involving failures or difficulties in relationships, can provide valuable insights and understanding in future romantic endeavors. The implication is that one learns from past mistakes and grows wiser as a result, making them more equipped to navigate the complexities of love successfully. In essence, failure in love can be seen not just as a setback, but also as an opportunity for growth and learning.


"All you need is hope. Hope floats. Hope flies. And with hope, anything's possible."

This quote by Bob Hope emphasizes the power of hope as a fundamental human emotion that can inspire and motivate us to overcome challenges. By using metaphors like 'hope floats' and 'hope flies', Hope suggests that hope is not just a static emotion, but something dynamic and resilient, capable of carrying us through difficult times. The final part of the quote underscores the transformative potential of hope: with it, anything is possible, implying that with a steadfast belief in the future and our own abilities, we can achieve great things.


When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things - not the great occasions - that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.

- Bob Hope

Past, Give, Simplest, Occasions

I do benefits for all religions - I'd hate to blow the hereafter on a technicality.

- Bob Hope

Hate, Religions, Benefits, Hereafter

I don't feel old. I don't feel anything till noon. That's when it's time for my nap.

- Bob Hope

Age, Old, Till, Nap

People who throw kisses are hopelessly lazy.

- Bob Hope

Love, Lazy, Throw, Kisses

When they asked Jack Benny to do something for the Actor's Orphanage - he shot both his parents and moved in.

- Bob Hope

Benny, Moved, Jack, None

A sense of humor is good for you. Have you ever heard of a laughing hyena with heart burn?

- Bob Hope

Humor, Burn, Ever, Hyena

I have a wonderful make-up crew. They're the same people restoring the Statue of Liberty.

- Bob Hope

Funny, Same, Make-Up, Restoring

I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful.

- Bob Hope

Humor, Tears, Transform, Bearable

She said she was approaching forty, and I couldn't help wondering from what direction.

- Bob Hope

Help, She, Approaching, Wondering

The trees in Siberia are miles apart, that is why the dogs are so fast.

- Bob Hope

Pet, Fast, Dogs, Apart

I have too much money invested in sweaters.

- Bob Hope

Money, Sweaters, Too, Invested

Bigamy is the only crime where two rites make a wrong.

- Bob Hope

Crime, Only, Where, Rites

I've always been in the right place and time. Of course, I steered myself there.

- Bob Hope

Right Place, Always, Been, Steered

A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it.

- Bob Hope

Money, Bank, Prove, Lend

I grew up with six brothers. That's how I learned to dance - waiting for the bathroom.

- Bob Hope

Waiting, How, Six, Bathroom

I love to go to Washington - if only to be near my money.

- Bob Hope

Love, Funny, I Love, Near

If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf.

- Bob Hope

Sports, Game, Play, Fun

Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.

- Bob Hope

Age, Middle, Show, Middle Age

You know you're getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.

- Bob Hope

Birthday, Cost, Getting, Getting Old

I like to play in the low 70's. If it gets any hotter than that I'll stay in the bar!

- Bob Hope

Play, Like, Gets, Bar

If you haven't got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.

- Bob Hope

Charity, Christmas, Kind, Worst Kind

When she started to play, Steinway came down personally and rubbed his name off the piano.

- Bob Hope

Play, Down, Started, Came

Kids are wonderful, but I like mine barbecued.

- Bob Hope

Wonderful, Like, Mine, Kids

A James Cagney love scene is one where he lets the other guy live.

- Bob Hope

Love, Funny, Other, Lets

You've got to be rich to have a swing like that.

- Bob Hope

Rich, Like, Got, Swing

The good news is that Jesus is coming back. The bad news is that he's really pissed off.

- Bob Hope

News, Bad, Jesus, Bad News

The only thing chicken about Israel is their soup.

- Bob Hope

Chicken, Soup, Israel

You never get tired unless you stop and take time for it.

- Bob Hope

Never, Stop, Take, Tired

If I have to lay an egg for my country, I'll do it.

- Bob Hope

Patriotism, Egg, Country, Lay

They'll always be an England, even if it's in Hollywood.

- Bob Hope

Hollywood, Always, Even, England

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