Date: 28th August 2003

Stars turn out for Hope memorial service


Hollywood stars, golfers, politicians, generals and businessmen have gathered at a North Hollywood church for a memorial Mass for comedian Bob Hope.

Hope died, aged of 100, of pneumonia on July 27 at his home at Toluca Lake and was buried at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers included golfers Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

Before the bells of St Charles summoned the mourners into Mass, some paused outside to reflect on what Hope meant to them.

"We're going to miss him," Connie Stevens said. "He was a tremendous force on Earth."

"He was so special because he gave so much to everyone besides his humour," said Loni Anderson. "We've lost a giant, probably the greatest entertainer of our century."

Actor Tom Selleck recalled how Hope recruited him to appear on some of his shows.

"Bob always called personally when he wanted you to work with him. It meant a lot and it made it hard to say no," Selleck said.

The 900 guests included Mickey Rooney, Dixie Carter, Hal Holbrook, Raquel Welch, Julie Newmar, Marie Osmond, Phyllis Diller, Ed McMahon, Gary Owens and Norm Crosby.

Source: Press Release