“Anywhere we went, whenever we landed … we would always do an impromptu show. We’d go into one of our little bits. Then we’d go to the next place. The troupe was constantly on, constantly entertaining-whether it was three people in the commissary, or the entire unit.”
~ Bob Hope
Photo by Nina Prommer/Milestone Photos, courtesy of The Hollywood Museum
The Hollywood Museum hosted its first Lobby Tribute last week since reopening its doors, a star-studded pre-Veterans Day event that paid homage to legendary actor, comedian and humanitarian Bob Hope and the fighting men and women of World War II. Held Thursday, Nov. 4, the event also commemorated the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II—a milestone that the Museum ordinarily would have marked in 202o.
“Although the pandemic kept many from celebrating the anniversary, it is too important to go unrecognized,” noted Museum founder and president Donelle Dadigan. “So this evening also we remember and pay homage to our veterans and today’s members of the armed services. And how better, than to hear directly from our veterans through the tens of thousands of letters sent to Bob Hope, some of which are featured [on display at the Museum] this evening [as part of the special Hope lobby exhibit].”
(L-R) Martha Bolton, Loni Anderson, Donelle Dadigan, Linda Hope, Jan Daley and Anson Williams. Photos by Nina Prommer/Milestone Photos, courtesy of The Hollywood Museum
More than 80,000 letters alone to Hope from our service men and women are now in the Library of Congress for the public and, hopefully, family members to read. Many of these letters have also been published in Dear Bob: Bob Hope’s Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.s of World War II, a new book co-written by Linda Hope, Bob Hope’s daughter, and Martha Bolton, the first and only fulltime female staff writer that Hope ever hired.
Both Hope and Bolton were among the many luminaries who attended the Nov. 4 event, along with Jerry Mathers, Anson Williams, Loni Anderson, Donna Mills, Barry Livingston, Dee Wallace, Petri Hawkins-Byrd, Makita Bond-Byrd, Erin Murphy, Ruta Lee, Rico Anderson, Katherine Cannon, Dean Butler, Alison Arngrim, Rex Smith, Diana Lansleen, Carolyn Hennesy, Geoffrey Mark, Kate Linder, Kassandra Carroll, Jax Malcolm, Conner Dean, Elaine Ballace, Charles Fox, Alice Amter, Tyrone DuBose, Thomas J Churchill, George Paige, Bob Flick, Hank Garrett, and Bianca and Chiara D’Ambrosio. Special notes of love, admiration and support were supplied and read from the podium by Ann-Margret, Raquel Welch, Loretta Swit, Stephanie Zimbalist, Pat Boone and Joan Van Ark.
Photos by Nina Prommer/Milestone Photos, courtesy of The Hollywood Museum
Before reopening its doors to the public, the Hollywood Museum completely upgraded its ventilation and filtration system with hospital-quality and school-quality filters, including the instillation of UV-blue light – filtration systems in its ventilation units to neutralize allergens and pollens in the air, and eliminate 99.9 percent of the mold, germs, and viruses that can cause COVID-19. Masks, however, are still required at this time. “We are so happy to be able to once again welcome our fans from the U.S. and very soon world-wide, back to The Hollywood Museum,” said Dadigan. “Our priority is the safety of the public and to ensure everyone the best experience as they return to the museum.”
ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM
The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation showcasing more than 10,000 Authentic Show Business Treasures, spotlighting 100 years of Hollywood history – from the Silents to Talkies, to Hollywood’s Golden Era, Film Noir, Television and its Pioneer Years, through the rebellious 60s, special effects 70s, evolving 80s, involved 90s, technological 2000s, and beyond to current day heartthrobs! The Hollywood Museum’s exhibits showcase the best in film, network and cable television, and new digital platforms featuring iconic and fan favorites! The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building is the Official Museum of Hollywood and offers visitors the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world – featuring the glamour of Hollywood legends and stars – past, present and in the making. The Hollywood Museum offers one-of-a-kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts, stars’ car collections, personal artifacts, posters, and memorabilia from favorite stars, films and TV shows. Located in the heart of Hollywood, at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave, just steps from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum has been named the #1 top tourist attraction in Hollywood by LA Weekly, and one of the “Top 10” Museums in LA by the LA Tourism and Convention Board and Trip Advisor.REGULAR HOURS: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pmTICKETS: $15 Adults: $12 Seniors (62+): $12 for students with ID and $5 Children under 5.ADDRESS: 1660 N. Highland Ave. (at Hollywood Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90028MUSEUM INFO: www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com or Tel: (323) 464-7776FOLLOW THE MUSEUM:WEBSITE: www.TheHollywoodMuseum.comFACEBOOK: Facebook.com/TheHollywoodMuseumTWITTER: @HollywoodMuseum INSTAGRAM: @HollywoodMuseum
