Happened to be working the right job and I met him in the early 1980’s. Ever so briefly. I was backstage during his performance.
A co-worker of mine was once a bellboy at a nice hotel...back in the early 1980s.
Said Hope gave him a $50 tip for carrying the luggage. Pretty big tip.
How to make it to 100: Good living and an occasional strong drink.
How to make it to 50: Don’t be a crocodile hunter.