MY HEAVENLY INTERVIEW WITH BOB

Bob Hope…May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003


By Harvey Tobkes

First let me wish you a posthumous 106th birthday Bob; you brought much joy and laughter to the world!

Me: Was it tough going when you first started in show business?
Bob: Tough? Tough? I would not have had anything to eat if it wasn’t for the stuff the audience threw at me.”

    Me: I hear your family was poor and now you are a very wealthy man. So, what was it like growing up in poverty?

Bob: My siblings were all boys, and mostly we all wound up sleeping in the one bed. When it got cold, my mom just threw on another brother.”

Me: Most people are amazed at your dance routines and fancy stepping. Did you take lessons?
Bob: As I said before, I had six brothers, so I learned to dance waiting for the bathroom.

Me: I’ve been told that as a young man you had a promising career as a boxer. Is that true?
Bob: I wasn’t bad but I ruined my hands in the ring … the referee kept stepping on them.

Me: It’s rumored you were quite the ladies man. When you hit age 70, did you still chase women?
Bob: Yeah! But only downhill.

Me: What was it like when you hit 80?
Bob: Eighty! That’s the time of your life when even your birthday suit needs pressing.

Me: When did you hear that little voice telling you you’re getting really old?
Bob: At age 90 you damn sure know you’re getting really old because the candles cost more than the cake.

Me: There aren’t many people alive that can answer this question, but tell us about what goes through your mind on turning 100.
Bob: I don’t feel that old. In fact, I don’t feel anything until noon. Then it’s time for my nap.”

Me: Somebody once told me you celebrate the Jewish holiday, Passover; could you please explain that?
Bob: Sure that’’s easy. Once a year most of us in the entertainment field take a day off to watch or attend the Academy Awards or, as it’s called at my home, Passover.

Me: Is it true you gave entertaining performances for 12 Presidents? That’s quite a record, Bob!
Bob: I have performed for 12 presidents and entertained only six.”


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