A Father's Wisdom Validated

The limo pulled up in front of the Waldorf Astoria in New York.  One of the worlds’ most recognizable, if not the worlds’ greatest entertainer, stepped out of the car.   The doorman immediately raced to open the door.  The superstar thanked him and then asked; “what is the largest tip you have ever received?”  The doorman said “fifty bucks.”  At which point he was given a one-hundred-dollar bill. 

As the superstar made his way through the lobby to the check-in desk he thought; “Wait a minute…fifty bucks?  Who’s he trying to kid?  Nobody would tip a doorman fifty dollars.  That guy must be lying.   I’m gonna punch his lights out.”

So he turned around and made his way back to the door. 

When he reached the door he said to the doorman; “you told me the largest tip you have ever received before today was fifty bucks.”  The doorman replied, “yes, sir.”  The feisty entertainer now ready to go at it, asked; “Oh really? And when did you get that tip?”  The poised and confident doorman said; “Last year, sir - when I opened the door for you.” 

His motto was to tip large and quiet.  I was first introduced to his generosity after a golf outing while on vacation in California. 

During a round of golf, a friend who knew how much I admired and enjoyed this performer’s work recommended a restaurant.  He failed to divulge that his recommendation was primarily made knowing the superstar frequented the establishment.  He concealed this knowledge yet wanted to be certain I would take his recommendation.   He knew I had dinner reservations elsewhere that evening.  So he insisted that I at least stop in for a drink.  He assured me that the bar was outstanding and did not cheat its patrons on the pour…knowing as well that such behavior was a real pet peeve of mine.  I was hooked and stopped by.

When I arrived the superstar was pointed out to me by the bartender.  He was seated at the head of a long table enjoying dinner.   The bartender told me that after dinner the superstar would come to the end of the bar, have a couple belts for the road and leave a $300 tip.  He had been doing this for years. As such, he had come to know the bartenders well.

I next learned that the superstar was not only a big tipper but redefined what it meant to be a “Good Samaritan.”

Seems that a couple years earlier one of the bartenders was taken ill.  He needed lengthy hospitalization.  One night the superstar, our “Good Samaritan,” inquired as to the whereabouts of the missing bartender.  He became upset when learning that no one had informed him of the illness.

The next day he contacted the hospital explaining that he would be paying all bills related to the bartender’s treatment and care.  He then monitored and kept tabs on the barkeep’s condition and progress until he was deemed well enough to return home. 

After arriving home, he received a telegram along with a check from the “Good Samaritan” wishing him a speedy recovery and offered further assistance should any be needed.  Bartenders at this posh establishment were not provided health care insurance benefits. This resulted in our “Good Samaritan” paying for all the medical costs that were incurred.

This was not an isolated incident.

Spiro Agnew appeared on the Merv Griffin’s show shortly after he had resigned as Vice President.   During his Vice Presidency suspicions of influence peddling and income tax evasion surfaced.  The incriminating evidence and innuendos surrounding the allegations led to Agnew resigning as Vice President.

Griffin inquired as to how his life had changed and if any of his old pals were still friends.  His response was, “One (friend remained).”

Agnew recounted returning to a quiet empty home after making his court appearance.  He poured a drink and went out to his patio.  He felt totally alone and abandoned.  It was clearly the lowest point in his life.  As he sat there pondering his fate the doorbell rang.  It was a special delivery envelope.  The now disgraced former V.P. said the envelope contained a brief note expressing disappointment over his current difficulties and wishing him well in the future.  It also contained a blank check that could be written for any amount up to one million dollars.   It closed with the “Good Samaritan” encouraging Mr. Agnew to call if he needed anything further.

And then there’s the Lee J. Cobb incident. 

Lee J. Cobb was one of America’s greatest character actors.  He received two Oscar nominations, three Emmy nominations as well as two Golden Globe nominations.  There are no duplications in any of the nominations.  All eight represent eight separate and distinctive roles played by Cobb.

Controversy also plagued Cobb.  He was one of the Hollywood celebrities who named names to the House Un-American Activities Committee during the heyday of Senator Joe McCarthy’s Red Scare hysteria.  Cobb succumbed to enormous professional, personal and financial pressures.  Because of his cooperation, he avoided being blacklisted which saved his career.  Through the years his talent prevailed affording him the opportunity to work with those who disapproved of his perceived betrayal.

Years later Cobb suffered a serious heart attack.  He was listed in critical condition at a Los Angeles hospital.   Upon learning of his condition, Cobb’s academy award winning pal and our “Good Samaritan,” sprang into action once again.  Cobb was flown to the hospital where the “Good Samaritan’s” doctors could treat the ailing actor.  The superstar and “Good Samaritan” believed his friend would not recover unless he received the best care available.

Once again all medical expenses where paid by our “Good Samaritan” and the customary telegram and check arrived for Cobb when he returned home.

This legendary generosity did not begin nor did it end with these folks.  These examples are provided to prompt a thought…how could this kindness toward a bartender, a disgraced and exiled politician, or an aging character actor ever be repaid?  How could our “Good Samaritan” ever hope to benefit from his extraordinary generosity?

This superstar and remarkably Good Samaritan has been immortalized for the endless hours of enjoyment and entertainment he has provided.  But it should be noted that there is at least one among us who will always remember Frank Sinatra as the man who validated the wisdom a father tried to impart upon his adolescent son so very many years ago. 

“Money matters.  Learn how to earn it, save it, invest it and give it away.”