John Paul Getty Jr.

Date of Birth: September 7, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: April 17, 2003

Biography

John Paul Getty Jr., born Eugene Paul Getty, was an American-born British philanthropist and book collector. He was the third of five sons born to Jean Paul Getty, the oil tycoon and founder of Getty Oil, and his wife Ann Rork. John Paul Getty Jr. was involved in the family business for a time but is perhaps best known for his charitable works and his passionate support of the arts, particularly in the United Kingdom. After a tumultuous personal life, including highly publicized issues with substance abuse and the infamous kidnapping of his son, John Paul Getty III, he moved to England and devoted much of his life to philanthropy. He contributed significant funds to the National Gallery, the British Museum, and other cultural institutions, earning him a knighthood in 1986. He passed away in 2003, leaving a legacy of generosity and cultural enrichment.

5 Interesting Facts about John Paul Getty Jr.

1. John Paul Getty Jr. changed his name from Eugene Paul Getty in honor of his father.

2. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986 for his significant contributions to British culture and philanthropy.

3. His son, John Paul Getty III, was famously kidnapped in 1973, and Getty Jr. struggled to gather the ransom money required for his release.

4. He donated £50 million to the National Gallery in London, one of the largest private donations ever received by the institution.

5. Getty Jr. was an avid collector of rare books and manuscripts, amassing one of the most impressive private libraries in the world.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Paul Getty Jr.

1. “A lasting solution, the possibility to begin a new life, is the only dignified solution for the refugee himself.”

2. “I was an enthusiastic businessman once, but I have had all I want of that.”

3. “The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”

4. “I am a man of limited talents, though I’m blessed with an abundance of passion.”

5. “Loss and possession, death and life are one, There falls no shadow where there shines no sun.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his life, John Paul Getty Jr.’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 billion.

Children

John Paul Getty Jr. had five children: John Paul Getty III, Aileen Getty, Mark Getty, Ariadne Getty, and Tara Getty. His children have been involved in various fields, from business to philanthropy.