(This analysis had been posted as a celebration of this great man's 100th birthday. Unfortunately, Bob passed away on July 28, just 2 months past his birthday. We offer our condolences to his family... Bob Hope will surely be missed.)

Happy 100th birthday...

Bob Hope was born Leslie Townes Hope, on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, London, England.

He jokingly says that he left England at the age of 4, when he found out that he couldn't be king. Bob holds hundreds of awards and honors and even two entries in "The Guinness Book of World Records". One is for having the distinction of being the entertainer with "the longest running contract with a single network - spanning sixty-one years".

I dare say there isn't a person alive, over the age of 10 perhaps, who doesn't associate Bob Hope with entertaining U.S. Troops at Christmas time... in far-off lands, often near combat zones, during every major 20th-century American conflict except World War I.

He was a tireless performer who captured the American idiom. His crisp delivery was tuned to the latest slang, with well aimed barbs at politicians and other entertainers... but never in a hurtful manner. And unlike many of today's comedians, his humor was always fit for family audiences.

I'm speaking of him in the past tense... not because he is gone, but simply because he's no longer able to be in the public spotlight. His health is failing and his wife of 69 years, Delores, spend their time quietly at home.

Figure 1

Let's take an overall look at Bob's handwriting...

The size of his handwriting is bigger than life.
Bob's large writing shows his ambition and wanting to be successful... of thinking BIG. It also indicates an extrovert who thrived on being in the public eye.

Spacing of the writing.
There is very little space between his words, showing a strong need for involvement and socializing... a touchy-feely person who acted on instinct. He was also quick on his feet and said whatever popped into his mind.

Look at the slant of his writing.
All of the handwriting examples that I examined have a strong uphill slant, indicating optimism. Bob had a lot of positive energy because he felt good about himself... he had a successful persona about him and he knew it.

Now, let's look at some specific's of his handwriting...

Characteristics in the small letter "t" reveals several aspects of his personality.
Bob's lower case "t" stem is very tall... a sign of pride in what and who he is. This can also indicate that the writer had a strict, demanding father who was never satisfied with the writer's accomplishments. As a result, the writer will continually try to impress others... especially his father. Notice the rather ornate capital letter "T" in "Thanks" in Figure 1... this can indicate a person who wants to flaunt his accomplishments and brag about them, again, trying to impress the father figure.

Figure 2

In all of the samples, the "t-bar" crosses toward the top of the stem, showing Bob to be a very determined, goal-oriented person. The long, blunt "t-bars" show us a person who could dominate the occasion with simple determination and enthusiasm... who could be in total control with ease and grace.

Some of the "t" letters have looped stems (Figure 2 & 3), revealing a slight sensitiveness to criticism of his ideas and philosophies... not a major problem, or they would ALL have looped stems.

Look at the "t" in "best" in Figure 1... the stem doubles back over the letter and ends to the right. This tells us that Bob was not a quitter... he didn't give up when confronted with setbacks. He persisted until the task was completed.

Figure 3

The "o" letters have little or no inner loops, but are closed at top.
This characteristic reveals Bob's ability to be honest and blunt when asked his opinion! I would be willing to say, the list of people who would agree with that statement would fill pages. The fact that the tops are closed, indicate that unless he was asked, he might not offer an opinion... but watch out if you did give him an opportunity. Many politicians, by their actions or remarks, gave him AMPLE ammunition.

The humps on the letters "m" and "n" are pointed on top.
This characteristic (Figure 3) shows a lightning fast mind... someone who thinks on his feet. It also shows him to be a curious, impatient, but very intelligent person. Considering his profession... VERY good attributes to have.

The large lower loops in the letters "y" and "p" relate to his PHYSICAL being.
Bob was very much the active person, always participating... whether it was entertaining the troops, playing his beloved golf, or simply playing with his four children or grandchildren. Sitting quietly was not in his list of exciting things to do.

His signature is always underlined.
When a person underlines his signature (Figure 1 & 4), he is revealing an ability to rely on himself, a tremendous amount of inner strength, and strong leadership qualities. Who in his right mind, would say that those traits were not Bob Hope personified?

Figure 4

General conclusions:
Bob Hope has come to be one of the most beloved entertainers of this century. Remember at the start I told you that he held TWO Guinness Records... well the second one is for being the "most honored entertainer".

So, again I say, "Happy birthday Bob, we love you. And Thank YOU for the memories!"

Till next time...