J. Paul Getty: The Real Story Behind The Man With All The Money In The World

Getty’s Inherited Pennies From His Father’s Fortune

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Getty’s father was pleased with his son’s business savvy, but his disappointment in his son’s lifestyle was only exacerbated by the numerous marriages the younger Getty went through throughout the 1920s. Because of this, George Getty was certain that his son would ultimately destroy the family company and squander their fortune, which is why upon his death in 1930, J. Paul Getty inherited a mere $500,000 out of his father’s $10 million estate. Although J. Paul Getty became president of Getty Oil Company, his mother Sarah retained the controlling interest and inherited much of the estate his father left behind.

Despite the meager inheritance, his father left him, Getty’s business deals would help him strike it rich on his own.