The next time you fly out of Burbank’s Bob Hope Airport, you may notice a new addition to the place. A large bronze sculpture of Bob Hope was unveiled last week to celebrate the life of comedian Bob Hope. Hope’s family members, along with the sculptor, Don Wiegand, were there for the unveiling of the 425-pound sculpture. Burbank Leader reports:

“Because her father traveled the world, Linda Hope said it was fitting to display his likeness at the entrance of his namesake airport. Still, his son, Kelly Hope, said the size and scale of the sculpture would likely have made his father pause.

“‘Dad was a very proud man, but also very humble…he probably wouldn’t have liked the size of it,’ Kelly Hope said.

“The sculpture, which measures more that 7 feet tall and 4 feet wide, took more than two years to complete. Bob Hope, who entertained in every decade of the 20th century, was also known for his world travels entertaining American troops. The Guinness Book of Records cites him as the most honored entertainer in the world, with more than 2,000 awards.

Linda Hope said the goal was for something ‘really personalized’ and for the people asking, ‘Who is this guy, Bob Hope?’”

Sculptor Don Wiegand also designed The Spirit of Hope Award, which is awarded to men and women of the United States Armed Forces, entertainers and other distinguished Americans and organizations whose patriotism and service reflects that of Bob Hope. He was designated the first honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces for his decades of entertaining troops, both in peacetime and in combat zones. This honor was bestowed by the U.S. Congress, and signed into law by President Clinton.

For more information on Don Wiegand’s work, visit www.wiegandstudios.com.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

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