The End of an Era

Thanks for the memories Bob Hope!

The summer of 2003 marks the true end of an era. In rapid succession we lost Gregory Peck and Katharine Hepburn, and now Bob Hope (at ages 87, 96 and 100 respectively). I can’t think of another season in which we said goodbye to three such legendary Hollywood figures within such a short space of time – 45 days to be exact. These three entertainers were an important part of my childhood, as I know they were for millions of people around the globe who are above a certain age. It’s as if the ‘real’ grownups are now gone and we must assume the responsibility ourselves. At least that’s how it feels to me.

Gregory Peck will always be Atticus Finch, but more than that he ranks with Cary Grant and Gary Cooper as one of the handsomest men ever to grace the silver screen. His strong jaw, piercing eyes and broad shoulders may have gotten him attention, but it was his innate nobility of character and uncommon ability to project compassion that made him a star. I always picture him fumbling with his eyeglasses as he prepares to shoot the rabid dog in To Kill a Mockingbird. For the hero you played so often, Gregory Peck I salute you.

What can I say about Katharine Hepburn? She was the consummate ice goddess, the perfect Jo, the prim Yankee spinster, the screwball debutante and the regal queen. She was completely real, totally unique and incredibly haughty. She also had the body of an athlete, the constitution of an ox and cheekbones to die for. How could she not become a legend? For your courage and independence, Katharine Hepburn I bow to you.

I first got to know Bob Hope through his television specials. I remember during his monologues (which I was too young to understand) my father would always comment that he was the greatest stand-up comic of all time. In 1976 I started a scrapbook of classic Hollywood stars and one of the first pictures I cutout of a Reader’s Digest was of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope dressed as vaudevillians in red and white striped jackets, straw hats and canes from one of their ‘Road’ movies. I watched as he kept going throughout the eighties and into the nineties, doing several TV specials a year and even going to Iraq to entertain the troops during the first Gulf War. He had such an intense zest for life that he showed up at the Emmy's a few years back in a wheelchair in one of his last public appearances. This was a man you could count on. For all those wonderful memories, Bob Hope I thank you.

And now that these icons are laid to rest the 21st century can begin. Sure we still have Mickey Rooney and Olivia de Havilland but the passing of these three giants leaves an empty space that can never be filled. And we shouldn't even try. Better we should celebrate their incredible lives and the ongoing fact that through the miracle of film and video tape we can cherish their work for all time.