Stars celebrate Hope's life

Bob Hope's life has been remembered at a star-studded memorial service in Hollywood.

Actors, golfers, politicians, generals and businessmen were among the 500 mourners paying their last respects at the St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Golfers Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer were honorary pallbearers and Larry Gelbart, creator of M*A*S*H, delivered a eulogy.

Gelbart recalled asking Hope why he didn't take time off, perhaps to go fishing. The comic replied: "Fish don't applaud."

And in another eulogy, US senator Dianne Feinstein described Hope as " one of the truly legendary figures of the 20th century".

Other guests included Raquel Welch, Brooke Shields, Mickey Rooney, Marie Osmond, Tom Selleck, Gerald Ford and Nancy Reagan.

London-born Hope died of pneumonia on July 27, two months after celebrating his 100th birthday.

Published: 28 Aug 2003