Bob's $1m for comedy archive

Bob Hope has donated $1 million to help build an archive of comedy performances.

The collection will include such American legends as Steve Allen, Phyllis Diller and Bob Newhart - and, of course, Bob Hope, now 98.

It is hoped it will be available over the Internet, Ananova reports.

The archive will be maintained by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the body that hands out the annual Emmy awards.

Thomas W Sarnoff, president of the Academy's foundation, said: "It is a most fitting way for the academy to perpetuate the public's awareness of Bob Hope, his role in the entertainment industry and his contribution to the history of television."

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Published: 6 Mar 2002