Hope Contract Still Pending

NBC’s three-hour tribute to Bob Hope tonight might mark the end of its 55-year association with the comedian.

Hope’s contract with the network is about to run out, and Linda Hope, his daughter and the executive producer of his TV specials, said NBC has not committed itself one way or the other to re-signing him.

She told the New York Post that the yearly contract is usually signed by this time of year and that they’ve been trying for a month to get a decision.

A statement issued Thursday by NBC said, “Each year at this time, NBC negotiates its contract with Mr. Hope. At this time we have not concluded that process.�

Hope, who was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, could not be reached for comment. But he told the Post this week, “I’m a free-lancer. I’m wide open.�

Hope began hosting a show on the NBC radio network in 1938 and starred in his first television special for NBC in 1950. Last month, NBC dedicated its Burbank studios to the entertainer, who turns 90 on May 29.