Bob Hope was born May 29, of what year?

The legendary entertainer was born Leslie Townes Hope in Eltham, England, on May 29, 1903. His family emigrated to the United States in 1908, and he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1920. His birth at the very beginning of the 20th century placed him in the perfect position to experience, and ultimately master, nearly every major entertainment medium that would emerge over the next several decades.

Hope's incredibly long career is a perfect reflection of the evolution of show business. He got his start in the 1920s on the vaudeville circuit, the dominant form of live entertainment at the time. He then transitioned seamlessly to become a superstar on the radio in the 1930s before conquering Hollywood. His series of "Road to..." films with co-star Bing Crosby became some of the most successful comedies of the 1940s. Finally, he became a pioneer of the new medium of television, hosting countless specials and Academy Awards ceremonies.

His life and career spanned a remarkable 100 years, ending with his death in July 2003, just two months after his centenary birthday. Beyond his comedic work, Hope is perhaps most remembered for his tireless dedication to the USO, entertaining American armed forces in every conflict from World War II to the Persian Gulf War, cementing his status as a beloved American icon.