SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Gordon Getty & family
Global Rank
#775

Image: Steve Fontanini, Los Angeles Times | CC BY 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Gordon Getty & family

CEO, Getty Oil
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.488B
Estimated based on Getty Oil stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
92
Source
Getty Oil
Industry
energy
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Gordon Getty, born December 20, 1933, is an American businessman, investor, philanthropist, and composer. He is the fourth child of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty and inherited control of the family's $2 billion trust after his father's death in 1976. His source of wealth is primarily derived from Getty Oil, which he later sold to Texaco. He has built a diverse career, including classical music composition, and has been a generous philanthropist, supporting numerous arts and educational initiatives, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $5.5 billion.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Gordon Peter Getty was born on December 20, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, to J. Paul Getty and Ann Rork. He attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory and the University of San Francisco. He also earned a B.A. in music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Rise to Success

After J. Paul Getty's death in 1976, Gordon assumed control of the family's approximately $2 billion trust. In 1984, he orchestrated the sale of Getty Oil to Texaco for $10.1 billion. He entered the family oil business at the insistence of his father.

Key Business Strategies

Gordon's key business move was the sale of Getty Oil to Texaco, which significantly increased the family's wealth.

Philanthropy

Through the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, established in 1986, he has directed substantial philanthropy toward performing arts, music, education, environmental causes, and animal welfare, donating over $450 million since 2008. He has also donated to the University of San Francisco.

Career Milestones

1976

Inherited the Getty Trust

Assumed control of the $2 billion trust after his father's death.

1984

Sold Getty Oil to Texaco

Orchestrated the sale of Getty Oil to Texaco for $10.1 billion.

1986

Established the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation

Founded a philanthropic foundation focused on arts, music, and education.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation

$0.45B+

Supports performing arts, music, education, environmental causes, and animal welfare, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2008.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"The meek shall inherit the earth, but not its mineral rights."

Controversies & Challenges

1999

Second Family Revealed

Acknowledged having a second family with three daughters in Los Angeles, which became public knowledge.

Compare Gordon Getty & family

Net Worth Face-off
Gordon Getty & family vs Elon Musk
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Gordon Getty & family vs Jeff Bezos
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Gordon Getty & family vs Mark Zuckerberg
Compare Wealth →