Who Is John Paul Getty Jr.? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Paul Getty Jr. was born on September 7, 1932, in England. As of 2025, he would have been 93 years old. He was the son of famed oil tycoon J. Paul Getty and played a crucial role in philanthropy throughout his life. Getty Jr. was known for his advocacy in the arts and involvement in various charitable organizations. His commitment to giving back to the community showcased his compassionate nature, which stood in stark contrast to the sometimes turbulent life associated with the Getty family legacy.
Occupation | Billionaire |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 7, 1932 |
Age | 70 Years |
Birth Place | near Genoa, Kingdom of Italy |
Horoscope | Virgo |
Country | England |
Date of death | 17 April, 2003 |
Died Place | Westminster, London, England |
Popularity
John Paul Getty Jr.'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific modern-day stats might not be available given the passage of time, John Paul Getty Jr. was known to have had an athletic build during his younger days. His height was approximately 6 feet (183 cm), and he likely maintained a healthy weight typical of men of his stature.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, John Paul Getty Jr. had several significant relationships. He was previously married to actress Dorte Schneider and shared two children with her. Over the years, he maintained a lower profile regarding his personal life. As of 2025, he remains a revered figure, although his immediate relationships and dating status are largely historical and part of his rich familial tapestry.
Sir Paul Getty (born Eugene Paul Getty; 7 September 1932 – 17 April 2003), known widely as John Paul Getty Jr., was a British-American philanthropist and book collector. He was the third of five sons born to J. Paul Getty (1892–1976), one of the richest men in the world at the time. His mother was J. Paul Getty's fourth wife, Ann Rork.
The Getty family's wealth was the result of the oil business founded by George Franklin Getty. One of his sons, Mark Getty, co-founded the visual media company Getty Images.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2003, John Paul Getty Jr. was estimated to have had a net worth of around $2 billion. His wealth came primarily from the Getty family's oil fortunes and his individual investments. Through his philanthropic efforts, he made a considerable impact on various cultural and social initiatives, using a significant portion of his wealth for charitable purposes.
At birth, he was given the name Eugene Paul Getty, but in later life, he adopted other names, including Paul Getty, John Paul Getty, Jean Paul Getty Jr. and John Paul Getty II. In 1973, his son John Paul Getty III was held captive in Italy, as J. Paul Getty refused to pay a ransom.
In 1986, he was awarded an honorary knighthood for services to causes ranging from cricket, to art and to the Conservative Party. His honorary knighthood would eventually become substantive upon the required acquisition of British citizenship. A long-time Anglophile, he became a British citizen in 1997.
In 1998, he changed his name by deed poll when he renounced the first name Eugene and wished to be known as Sir Paul Getty KBE.
Career, Business and Investments
John Paul Getty Jr. had a diverse career that included significant philanthropic efforts. He was instrumental in funding various artistic endeavors, including museums and galleries. His keen interest in art and culture led to numerous donations, helping to elevate public appreciation of the arts. Getty Jr. also ventured into business, although his philanthropic pursuits often took precedence, reflecting his commitment to social causes over profit.
Social Network
John Paul Getty Jr. was known to be well-connected within artistic and philanthropic circles. Although social media did not exist during his lifetime, his contributions to various causes have been documented and celebrated on platforms dedicated to art and philanthropy posthumously. Getty’s legacy continues through organizations that carry forward his vision for a better society, showcasing the impact he had on social consciousness.
During his nine-month stint in The London Clinic, Getty purchased a dilapidated country estate in Buckinghamshire, Wormsley Park, on the advice of his close friend Christopher Gibbs. After his release in March 1986, he devoted himself to remodeling the 18th-century mansion and restoring the 3,000 acres of parkland.
This included the creation of a deer park, the reforestation of 1,500 acres of beechwood forest, and the dredging of a man-made four-acre lake with water tapped from an aquifer 400 feet below ground.
Along with the restoration of the Georgian mansion house, Getty added a castle-like addition made of local flint built to house his extensive library, an indoor heated pool, and a replica of The Oval cricket ground.
To house his disabled son, he had an accessible cottage built near the pool, from where he could do his water rehabilitation exercises. The six-year project cost an estimated £60 million.
Education
Getty Jr. attended Harvard University, where he studied literature and art, shaping his future endeavors in philanthropy. His educational background played a significant role in his appreciation for arts and culture, influencing his philanthropic focuses and investments.