Bob Hope, king of laughter, dies at 100

Tributes poured in today for comic legend Bob Hope, who has died aged 100.

The star passed away from pneumonia at his home in Toluca Lake, California, last night.

Hope, who celebrated his centenary in May, died with his family at his bedside.

US President George Bush led the tributes to the much-loved entertainer, saying America had lost a “great citizen”.

“Bob Hope made us laugh and he lifted our spirits. Bob Hope served out nation when he went to battlefields to entertain thousands of troops from different generations,” he said.

“We extend our prayers to his family as we mourn the loss of a good man. May God bless his soul.”

British stars who knew Hope remembered him as one of the world’s great entertainers.

Des O’Connor said: “He was a real star, the complete professional and an inspiration to thousands of wannabe comedians.

“I was privileged to have Bob as a guest on my TV show on more than one occasion and he was always warm, friendly and spontaneously funny.

“He raised millions of pounds for deserving causes and spread a little sunshine into so many lives.”

Chat show host Michael Parkinson remembered Hope as “one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century”.