Jillali "Jim" Elidrissi started working for New York City's Waldorf-Astoria hotel as a bellman shortly after arriving from Morocco in 1966.

He was 20 years old and "scared stiff," he tells CNBC.

In April 2016, the 70-year-old celebrated his 50th year at the iconic hotel, making him the Waldorf's longest-standing bellman.

Over the past five decades, Elidrissi, whose responsibilities range from escorting guests to their rooms to giving tours of the historic hotel, has become a fixture of the Waldorf. He's greeted former president Ronald Regan during his stay — twice — and has even been an extra in Hollywood movies filmed at the hotel.

