Bob Hope May Go Home by Monday

Entertainer Bob Hope, recovering surprisingly quickly from pneumonia, was expected to be released from the hospital by the end of the holiday weekend.

“Things are [going] well,” publicist Ward Grant said.

The 98-year-old comedian remained in stable condition at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.

Hope was admitted to the hospital a week ago after he complained of having trouble breathing at his Toluca Lake home. It was determined he had mild pneumonia.

For the last week, he has been treated at the hospital on Bob Hope Drive across the street from NBC Studios, where he taped his television shows. He has been given antibiotics, intravenous fluids and respiratory therapy.

His wife, Dolores, and a daughter have been by his bedside.

Dr. Lee Kagan said he has been surprised at the recovery, though it will probably take several weeks for Hope to regain his full strength.

Grant said doctors have put some limitations on what Hope should eat when he returns home.

“All I heard was Cream of Wheat, and that is hardly tasty,” Grant said. “We will see what he demands when he gets home.”