What made the great people truly great in my eyes was that they were devoid of pretentiousness and ego

I would agree that matters a tremendous amount. While living in London my daughter used to do some shifts as usherette at smaller, art theatres (not sure that is the correct term for such staff these days, but still...)

There were a lot of well known actors would come as members of the audience, and on one occasion Michael Gambon came. He had his arm in a cast or sling (I forget which) and he needed to avoid knocking it if possible. What was striking was his complete absence of ego, and how he was keen not to put this usherette to any more trouble than was absolutely necessary. For example, he would be perfectly happy to take the uncomfortable usherette seats at the back that are basically in a corridor, if she wanted the better seat he had bought. In general, the whole thing had the air that he appreciated even the lowliest jobs in the theatre were vital to its existence, and he didn't put himself above anyone ("Call me Mike").