J. Paul Getty

J. Paul Getty (December 15, 1892 – June 6, 1976) was a wealthy American businessman and one of the richest individuals of his time. He is best known for founding the Getty Oil Company and for his significant impact on the petroleum industry.

Getty’s career began in the early 20th century, and by the 1940s, he had established himself as one of the leading figures in the oil business. He accumulated much of his fortune through the growth of Getty Oil, which later merged with Texaco in 1984. He was also known for his remarkable ability to expand his business empire in an era of significant competition in the oil industry.

In addition to his business achievements, Getty was a philanthropist and a collector of fine art. He used much of his wealth to fund various charitable endeavors and cultural institutions, the most notable being the creation of the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, which houses an extensive collection of art and antiquities.

Getty’s personal life was marked by scandal and controversy, including the highly publicized kidnapping of his grandson, John Paul Getty III, in 1973. This event and Getty's subsequent refusal to pay the ransom became a highly discussed aspect of his life, highlighting his notorious frugality.

Despite his complex personal life, J. Paul Getty left an enduring legacy both in the oil industry and in the arts, with the Getty Museum continuing to be a significant cultural institution today.