Latest news with #BobHope
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
10 celebrities who lived to 100 — and how they did it
Norman Lear Iconic screenwriter and producer Norman Lear, who died in December 2023 at the age of 101, said that work (and loving his job) is what kept him going. "Some people run. I don't run. I wake up and do the things that please me. That's my present to myself. That's my prayer. That's everything," he told USA Today as he turned 100 in 2022. He reiterated this in a chat with the Los Angeles Times in 2020. "When I go to sleep at night," he said, "I have something that I'm thinking. Among other things, it's about something I'm doing tomorrow." He added, "So today is over, and we're on to the next." There's evidence to suggest that delaying retirement could add years to your life. A 2015 study that followed 83,000 adults over 65 for 15 years, published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, found that, compared with people who retired, people who worked past age 65 were about three times more likely to report being in good health. Jimmy Carter The 39th president lived to be 100, dying in December 2024, almost three months after his landmark birthday. He credited one person with helping him live that long: his wife, Rosalynn. They were married for 77 years before her death in 2023. "It's hard to live until you're 95 years old," he told People in 2019. "I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you, and keep you alive and interested in life," he said. Research suggests that having strong social bonds can help you live longer. A 2021 meta-review published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that the link between social support and longevity is as strong as the link between not smoking and longevity. Bob Hope Bob Hope, known for his vaudeville, acting, comedy, and his hosting gig at the Academy Awards a record 19 times, died in July 2003, two months after his 100th birthday. Back in the '80s, when he was a spry 78, he said he made sure to walk 2 miles every day, no matter where he was, per Men's Health. He learned this lesson from his grandfather. "When he was 96 years old, he walked two miles to the local pub every day to get a drink. He died within a month of his 100th birthday, and he remained mentally sharp till the very end," said Hope. There's science to back up their method. A 2024 study published in the British Journal of Sports Science analyzed health and mortality data from the 2019 US Census, the 2003—2006 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, and the National Center for Health Statistics. Using a mathematical model, the authors predicted that people who walk for around 160 minutes a day live an average of five years longer than their sedentary peers. They speculated that if the least active Americans walked for an extra 111 minutes daily, they could live up to 11 years longer. Dolores Hope Bob Hope lived to be 100, but his wife, Dolores, managed to outlive him. She died in 2011 at the age of 102. While Dolores didn't publicly share theories on how she made it to triple-digits, her daughters had their own ideas. Her oldest daughter, Linda (who's now in her 90s herself), told ABC7 in 2009: "Laugh a lot. Laughter is something that's been part of our lives, and I have to think that is a large part responsible for their happiness and for their long lives." Olivia de Havilland The "Gone with the Wind" star lived to be an impressive 104 years old. She died in July 2020. De Havilland, in addition to crediting the "three Ls" (love, laughter, and light) with her longevity, told Vanity Fair in 2016 that she kept her mind sharp by doing The New York Times crossword every single day. In a 2022 study published in the journal NEJM Evidence, 107 adults with mild cognitive impairment were asked to do an intensive program of web-based crossword puzzles or games for 12 weeks, followed by booster sessions up to 78 weeks. The authors found that 37% of participants in the crossword groups improved by two points on an Alzheimer's scale. Kirk Douglas The Hollywood icon and star of films such as "Spartacus" and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" lived to 103. He died in February 2020. Douglas wrote an essay for Newsweek in 2008, when he was 91, about growing old. "Humor helps longevity," he wrote. "Try to think of others, try to help them. You will be amazed how that lessens your depression. That satisfaction is priceless," he added. "The greatest dividend to old age is the discovery of the true meaning of love." Gloria Stuart Much like her "Titanic" character Rose, Stuart lived to become a centenarian, briefly. She turned 100 in July 2010 and died two months later. As her 1999 memoir, "I Just Kept Hoping," suggests, Stuart used her career to fuel her into her old age. "I was driven then [in the 1930s], and I'm driven now," she told SF Gate at the time. After Stuart's death in 2010, NPR host Ari Shapiro added, "Her daughter says that during her long life, her mother did not believe in illness. She paid no attention to it, and it served her well." Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother The Queen Mother died in 2002 at the age of 101. Clearly, longevity runs in the family, as her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, lived to be 96 before dying in September 2022. The Queen Mother had some frank advice for living a long life. In her official biography, she said, "'Wouldn't it be terrible if you'd spent all your life doing everything you were supposed to do, didn't drink, didn't smoke, didn't eat things, took lots of exercise, and suddenly, one day, you were run over by a big red bus and, as the wheels were crunching into you, you'd say, 'Oh my God, I could have got so drunk last night.' That's the way you should live your life, as if tomorrow you'll be run over by a big red bus." George Burns The vaudeville star and comedian knew people would be curious about how to live to 100, so he decided to write the book "How To Live To Be 100 Or More." Burns, who died in March 1996 at 100 years old, told UPI Hollywood, "You'll be happier and live longer if you find a job you love; that way you avoid stress. Never take stress to bed with you. Work on it in the morning." He also confirmed that he did 45 minutes of exercise every day before taking a "brisk 15-minute walk around the neighborhood." He also had "two or three drinks a day" and always had a cigar close by (though, according to him, he never inhaled). He steered clear of cigarettes, however. Being active is linked to living longer in better health. A 2022 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that of 99,713 participants aged 55 to 74, those who did regular aerobic exercise and strength training were 41% less likely to die from any cause in the seven to 10 years after. "I don't believe a lot of this medical stuff. They say everything you eat and drink causes cancer. Don't pay too much attention to that," Burns added. Eva Marie Saint Saint, the oldest living and earliest surviving Oscar winner, will turn 101 in July 2025. "I continue to take walks out in the fresh air, like watching baseball — especially the Los Angeles Dodgers, and enjoy time with my family and friends," she told People ahead of her 100th birthday last year.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pearl Harbor Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII from Aug. 30-Sept 2 Announced; Made possible by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation
HONOLULU, Hawaii, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a powerful tribute to the heroes of America's Greatest Generation, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum proudly announce a series of commemoration events honoring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II from August 30 – September 2. The multi-day commemoration is made possible by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. "We are honored to remember the heroes of World War II as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII," said Linda Hope, Chair and CEO of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. "We are proud to announce — on my father Bob Hope's birthday — this tribute to the valor and sacrifice of those who served in our military during World War II, as well as to the everyday Americans on the home front who also sacrificed to help make victory possible." On September 2, 1945, with the U.S. fleet and air forces standing by, thousands gathered on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay to witness the signing of the Instrument of Surrender that brought World War II to an end. Eighty years later, on September 2, 2025, we will honor that historic day, welcoming USS Missouri veterans who were present for the ceremony that shaped a more peaceful future. "Nowhere else in the world can you stand on the very deck where World War II officially ended. The Battleship Missouri Memorial offers a powerful, tangible connection to history, one that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit," said Michael Carr, President and CEO of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. "It is our duty and mission to honor the stories held aboard this ship and preserve her place in history." The Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are joining efforts to commemorate this historic occasion. The 80th Commemoration will begin on August 30th with the Commemoration Concert at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, a public tribute to veterans and service members, featuring Gary Sinise and The Lt Dan Band and culminate on September 2nd with the official Commemoration Ceremony on the pier adjacent to the Surrender Deck of the Battleship Missouri. Other public events during the 4-day commemoration include a large-scale RC air show, movie premieres, family activities and the official Commemoration Gala. "It is our honor to engage the public in several days of reflection and tribute. From the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack that cast America into WWII, to the solemn event on the Battleship Missouri that ended it, the commemoration experience will remind us of the resilience of our greatest generation and our collective hope for peace," said Janeen Woellhof, Interim Executive Director of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, America's WWII aviation battlefield. For more information on the full schedule of events and how to participate, please visit or Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located on Historic Ford Island, where bombs fell during the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Walk the Pearl Harbor battlefield where the attack began, enter the bullet-scarred hangars, and see the control tower and aircraft of the battle, including a Japanese Zero and the B-17 Swamp Ghost. Hear the stories of World War II heroes and their response to the attack that changed our nation and world. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, open daily, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on membership, volunteers, and donations for support. For more information, call (808) 441-1000 or visit Battleship Missouri Memorial Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 10-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri's unique place in history. Located a ship's length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the "day of infamy" and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ends with Japan's formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations. The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily. For information or reservations, call (808) 455-1600 or visit Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation ( supports organizations that bring "HOPE" to those in need and those who served to protect our nation. The Foundation also supports charitable organizations that preserve and honor the legacy of Bob Hope as an American entertainer, humanitarian, patriot, sportsman and supporter of military personnel and their families. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Fox News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Miles, Morale and Memories: Bob Hope and World War II
Founder and President of The World War II Foundation, Tim Gray, joins Martha to discuss the new documentary 'Miles, Morale and Memories: Bob Hope and World War II.' The film follows Bob Hope's incredible efforts to cheer up U.S. troops during World War II. His travels led him to many dangerous, remote locations, but he remained committed to entertaining soldiers and providing them a brief reprieve from the war–a tradition Hope would carry through Korea and Vietnam as well. Tim explains why Bob's legacy has led to other great entertainers carrying on his tradition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Mary Lou Retton's DUI arrest is latest moment of shame for Olympic legend... one year after $500k charity scandal
Almost 41 years have passed since the famous Olympic routine which turned Mary Lou Retton into an overnight sensation and captured American hearts. At the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, 4ft 9in gymnastics superstar Retton vaulted her way to gold with a perfect score of 10; becoming the first American in history to come out on top in the women's individual all-around event. In fact, she became the first American woman to win a gymnastics medal full stop. Such a historic success at just 16 years of age propelled the tiny teenager from Fairmont to newfound levels of fame; with Retton and her teammates going on to enjoy a party at the house of famed entertainer Bob Hope before the celebrations continued at Disneyland, a meeting with President Ronald Regan and a ticker-tape parade in New York City. For Mary Lou alone, the historic gold medal convinced Wheaties to make her the first ever female athlete to feature on the front of its popular cereal box, while Sports Illustrated also named her their Sportswoman of the Year. Just like that Retton had been catapulted to the forefront of American popular culture. By the end of her crowning year, she was arguably the most famous woman in the country. Now, over two decades later, the iconic athlete is at her nadir after being arrested on suspicion of impaired driving and driving under the influence almost a year after she almost lost her life to pneumonia. The 57-year-old West Virginia native was arrested on May 17 in Marion County for 'driving under influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs,' according to the West Virginia Magistrate Court system. She was released after personally posting a $1,500 bond. An attorney for Retton was not listed in court records and her spokespeople have yet to address the arrest. has also reached out to two of Mary Lou's daughters, Shayla and Emma, for comment. And Retton's shocking arrest comes just under a year since the controversy surrounding $500,000 worth of charity donations made in the wake of her life-threatening battle with pneumonia. The 40th anniversary of her 10-out-of-10 display in LA was all the more poignant in 2023 given the challenges and controversy she had faced in the months prior. Back in October 2023, the Olympic legend was left fighting for her life in hospital with a rare form of pneumonia after being found lying on her bedroom floor struggling to breathe by a neighbor. She fortunately recovered from the illness, despite her four daughters even saying their goodbyes at one stage out of fear she wouldn't make it through the night. Retton's children then set up a SpotFund account when their mother was fighting for her life in an ICU, calling on members of the public to help them with medical costs after claiming she did not have insurance. In the end, that account brought in an estimated half-a-million in donations - only for the family to refuse to disclose where the money went amid scrutiny over their claims to be without medical insurance. 'They didn't deserve that,' Retton said about the criticism aimed at her daughters earlier this year. 'They were just trying to take care of me. I don't care about the naysayers. There are trolls everywhere. It's what makes us America. Everybody's got an opinion, but it is what it is.' Prior to her recovery - and the subsequent backlash over the SpotFund donations - 40 years on from LA 1984 America found itself rooting for Retton again, this time as she battled against pneumonia in hospital. Just like all those years ago, when she toppled Ecaterina Szabo of Romania to clinch gold, the iconic ex-gymnast showed her resolve by pulling through and overcoming the illness. Szabo headed to the 1984 Games as the pre-competition favorite in the women's individual all-around event, and heading into her final event - the vault - only a perfect 10 would be enough for the gold medal. After promising coach Bela Karolyi that she would come up trumps, Retton twisted through the air and executed a double Tsukahara - consisting of a half turn off the springboard and onto the vault table followed by a push backwards - before pulling off a impeccable landing. A perfect '10.00' then flashed on the scoreboard as an ecstatic Retton hugged Karolyi in jubilation, in disbelief at the size of the achievement she had just completed. 'I knew the takeoff was good,' she told reporters at the time. 'And I knew the vault was good. And I knew I'd stick it.' 'Biggest vault ever,' Karolyi added. Nevertheless, one caveat to Mary Lou's record-breaking triumph - and one she is still well aware of to this day - is that luck was on her side with no Soviet gymnasts at the 1984 Games in LA. The Soviets boycotting those Games along with several of their allies at the time meant she was spared the task of competing with some of the strongest gymnasts on the planet, including the reigning individual all-around world champion. The highly-regarded Romanians, including Szabo, were present in California however, and Retton refuses to dock herself any credit. 'It was a big battle,' she said. 'I earned my medal.' As previously noted, USA's newest Olympic superstar was everywhere after her crowning moment. She appeared on countless movies, TV shows - including popular ballroom dancing show 'Dancing With The Stars' - and gymnastic tours as well as Wheaties boxes and Sports Illustrated magazine. Retton was an instant household name on the back of her LA heroics. 'It was so immediate, and intensely so,' 1984 U.S. women's gymnastics team captain Kathy Johnson said in 2021 about her dramatic rise in prominence. 'We were in L.A., after all, the entertainment capital of the world. It exploded in the biggest, most dramatic way, partly because this is America. It just grew exponentially.' To this day, Retton remains one of the most iconic and recognizable figures in US sport. When taking her four daughters to gymnastics classes, the former Olympic champion aims to keep a low profile and remain anonymous to others in attendance. But it never lasts long. By the end of 1984, she was arguably the most famous woman in America as a whole 'They knew it was me,' USA Today's Christine Brennan recalled her saying in October of last year. Three decades since she was voted 'Most Popular Athlete in America', Retton will watch on as the new breed of US gymnasts strive for glory in Paris this summer. Four-time gold medalist Simone Biles will hope to invoke the spirit of Mary Lou and add more to her collection, including in the all-around event, with trials still ongoing to discover who will join her at the 2024 Games. Whichever athletes make it, it was Retton who laid the foundations and paved the way for them to achieve their Olympic dreams all those years ago in LA. 'She changed the landscape of not just gymnastics, but I think women in sports,' Johnson added. 'It literally transported us to a whole new level.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
SS United States arrives in Alabama to be prepped for sinking, world's largest artificial reef
March 3 (UPI) -- The decommissioned luxury liner SS United States, dating back to 1952, completed its final journey Monday from South Philadelphia to Alabama, where it will undergo preparations before it is sunk in the waters off Florida's Gulf Coast to become the world's largest artificial reef. The massive 72-year-old ship, which was retired in 1969, will be submerged after more than six months of work in Mobile to insure that the vessel is environmentally safe, Okaloosa County wrote in an email to UPI. The work will include removing old fuel, paint and wiring and will be done in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection. The ship, which is made entirely of metal, is expected to be submerged about 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach in Florida. "We are proud to continue the story of this historic vessel as an artificial reef along with the land-based museum," Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon said Monday. "I applaud the Destin-Fort Walton Beach team in their efforts to succeed in this important next step and look forward to the immense impact she will continue to have on the lives of those who appreciate her history." The SS United States, which remains the largest passenger ship ever built in the United States with the capacity to hold 1,984 passengers, will provide a "much-needed habitat for a variety of marine species like grouper, snapper, mackerel and tuna." The plan is to cut holes throughout the ship to make sure it lands upright and to provide openings for marine life. It will also become a "worldwide hub for divers." The luxury liner, which measures 990 feet long, will provide diving opportunities for both beginners and technical drivers. The depth of the reef is expected to be 180 feet to the bottom and about 55 feet to the upper deck. "As the World's Largest Artificial Reef, the story of the SSUS will be told to thousands of divers from around the world as they explore her unique design and features," the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department said in a news release last month. "She will also benefit her surrounding ecosystem and become home to countless marine species that will thrive from the presence of her structure." The SS United States, which once held the transatlantic speed record between the United States and Europe at an average speed of more than 41 mph, departed South Philadelphia nearly two weeks ago and was towed by several tugs along the Atlantic Coast and around the southern tip of Florida to Alabama. Its journey was delayed last year after Coast Guard officials questioned its seaworthiness amid storm activity. Among its esteemed passengers during its 17-year run, were comedian Bob Hope, actor John Wayne, Princess Grace of Monaco, artist Salvadore Dali, actress Rita Hayworth and former President Harry Truman. The ship had spent the last 29 years docked on the Delaware River in Philadelphia after falling into disrepair. The SS United States' two smoke stacks remain the world's tallest at 65 feet each, which is about the size of a six-story building. The two funnels will be removed before its sinking and will be placed in an onshore museum, which will also house other artifacts from the ship. The entire project -- which includes acquiring the luxury liner, getting it ready to be submerged and building the museum -- is expected to cost $10.1 million.
