Growing Up Getty: The Story of America's Most Unconventional Dynasty

by James Reginato

An enthralling and comprehensive look into the contemporary state of one of the wealthiest—and most misunderstood—family dynasties in the world, perfect for fans of Succession , The House of Gucci , The Cartiers , and Fortune’s Children.

Oil magnate J. Paul Getty, once the richest man in the world, is the patriarch of an extraordinary cast of sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While some have been brought low by mental illness, drug addiction, and one of the most sensational kidnapping cases of the 20th century, many of Getty’s heirs have achieved great success. In addition to Mark Getty, a cofounder of Getty Images, and Anne G. Earhart, an award-winning environmentalist, others have made significant marks in a variety of fields, from music and viniculture to politics and LGBTQ rights.

Now, across four continents, a new generation of lively, unique, and even outrageous Gettys are emerging, and not coasting on the dynasty’s still-immense wealth. August Getty designs extravagant gowns worn by Katy Perry, Cher, and other stars; his sibling, Nats—a fellow LGBTQ rights activist who announced his gender transition following his wedding to transgender icon Gigi Gorgeous—produces a line of exclusive streetwear. Their fascinating cousins include Balthazar, a multi-hyphenate actor-director-DJ-designer, and Isabel, a singer-songwriter-MBA candidate. A far-flung yet surprisingly close-knit group, the ascendant Gettys are bringing this iconic family onto the global stage in the 21st century.

Through extensive research, including access to J. Paul Getty’s diaries and love letters, and fresh interviews with family members and friends, Growing Up Getty offers an inside look into the benefits and burdens of being part of today’s world of the ultra-wealthy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Audiobook, Family, American, Historical

336 pages, Hardcover

Published July 5, 2022

Reviews

[Jordan Parkhurst · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read that is more of an extended Christmas card summary than an investigative piece. The coverage is glowing and often seems lifted directly from Getty websites, an extension of their brand narrative. Everything they do seems to be successful and wonderful and all of their fashion and art choices are lauded even when they’re ugly and plunderous respectfully.
I wasn’t expecting much scandal (the family’s scandals have been publicized as nauseum) but I was hoping for more context and depth. Perhaps the author just stretched it too thin, trying to cover every brand of the Getty tree, but I got the feeling this was written to get the author into their social circle and that’s about it.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in July, I visited the Getty Villa in Malibu, California. It’s hard to describe how incredible the property is until you’ve taken your own (free) tour of it. But to summarize, billionaire John Paul Getty built the villa—a recreation of a Roman seaside home—to house the antiquities he’d acquired over his lifetime. (The kicker being he died before he could visit it, though he was later buried there.)

While at the villa, I tapped my way through an interactive display about Getty’s life, but I was left wanting to learn more. I almost bought a biography from the gift shop, but the next morning, sipping coffee and paging through the July issue of Vanity Fair, I learned about this book instead.

Weeks later, I can share I’m glad I listened to it, as it offers an in-depth look into a dynastic family known for many things—from fame and fortune (through oil) to various scandals and tragedies (not the least of which was the harrowing kidnapping of John Paul Getty III in 1973).

The book’s author, James Reginato, is not out to vilify the family (as has been the case with so many articles and biographies, including the 2017 Ridley Scott film, “All the Money in the World” and the 2018 FX drama “Trust.) Instead, he paints a rather sympathetic portrait of Getty and his descendants, which include his five children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I had to stop the audiobook multiple times to learn more about each branch of the family tree. I then went on even more deep dives to learn about Getty's grandchildren and great-grandchildren, because I was so fascinated by so many of them. Among the more memorable members:

— son John Paul Getty Jr. and his second wife, Talitha Pol, who was STUNNING. In the late ‘60s, their party pad in Marrakesh was THE place to be for London pop culture elite, including the Rolling Stones.

— grandson Mark Getty, co-founder of Getty Images.

— granddaughter Aileen Getty, once married to Christoper Wilding, son of Elizabeth Taylor, who's done much for AIDS research (as a sufferer of HIV herself) and climate change (she’s been arrested with good friend Jane Fonda as part of Jane’s recurring Fire Drill Friday movement).

— great grandchild Nats Getty and wife Gigi Gorgeous, a fascinating couple for the Instagram/YouTube era if ever there was one!

— great grandson Balathazar Getty (son of J. Paul Getty III), an actor who starred in one of my favorite mid-2000s dramas, ABC’s Brothers and Sisters.

— Gordon and Ann Getty, who (for years) were as close to royalty as it comes on the San Francisco social scene and whose sons were tight with the Newsom clan (as in California Governor Gavin) as well as Kamala Harris and the Pelosis.

— great granddaughter Ivy, whose lavish wedding last fall made a splash in the pages of Vogue (her mirrored dress was …just wow. WOW). Ivy's photographer, Jose Villa, is someone I've followed for years (as a former wedding photographer myself) and I was so happy for him that he landed a wedding as incredible as this one!

I could go on about the reasons why I enjoyed this book, but I suspect I belong to a niche audience—one that regularly peruses society pages in publications like Vanity Fair and Vogue and who is always down for stories about famous American families (the first gift my hubby ever gave me was a biography of the Kennedys!)

I’ll end this (long-winded) review by noting how impressed I am by the range of interests the Getty descendants have involved themselves in—from environmental causes to wineries to fashion to LGBTQ causes to feminist art…the list goes on. No family is perfect, but as Reginato points out, compared to some of their Forbes list counterparts, the Gettys are doing what they can to make good with the fame and fortune they’ve inherited thanks to their pioneering patriarch. How fascinating to watch their reach from afar ...

[WM D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up Getty was a good book. The book explored the Getty family starting with j. Paul Getty and shows how the future generations of Getty children are doing right now.

[Marta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads more like a Wikipedia entry for each of the Getty's

[Lisa Hazen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oddly, this book kind of made the fantastical Getty story kind of dull. 🫤 Like Wikipedia-dull.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a good book. Just a recitation of Getty travel log and fashion.

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting family. Hard at times to keep track of everyone.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this one in a Goodreads giveaway. Reginato's writing style is detail rich, operating just the other side of conversational. The book is a medium-paced read, and those who know who the Getty family is would probably enjoy it. I've got to say that I didn't have a frame of reference for this book and I'm not the right audience for it. I enjoyed Reginato's approach, but I just couldn't bring myself to care about the Getty family, their actions, or anything else. That has nothing to do with Reginato and everything to do with the fact that they're not relevant to my own life in any way, shape, form, or fashion.

[Hillary Latham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read and listened to numerous memoirs and biographies of the rich, powerful, and famous so growing up Getty seemed right in my wheelhouse. However there were so many family members covered I had a hard time keeping up who was who and also my interest began to wane in all the details of their lives. Perhaps it would have been better to focus on fewer people and go more in depth on certain events?

[Hannah Simpson]

I couldn't finish this book. It was too hard to keep track of which George, Ann, or Paul was being discussed and it hopped around too much. It could have been more organized. If you like books about American dynasties, I would recommend Anderson Cooper's book on the Vanderbilts or Laurence Leamer's The Kennedy Women.

[Hildie Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This began like a regular history book, but soon became a collection of fawning articles about the family members, almost as if this book was commissioned by the Getty family! Not worth your time.

[Caroline Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. I thought I would just give it a start but it was a page-turner. It’s not in chronological order but more episodic. It’s like a really long Vanity Fair article about a very unique family. Not untouched by tragedy but generally nice and civic-minded.

[DPUTiger (amy hughes) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is A LOT of people to keep track of. I listened as an audiobook which made it even harder to keep track.

[Katie R · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book! The author kept implying that 'anyone who knows anything about pop culture knows about x Getty member or x event.' I was not familiar with the Getty family before reading this book so I did not know about those people or events but the author did a good job explaining it all.
It was also a bit difficult to keep track of all the people in the family but there really isn't a good way to do it since there's so many people in the clan. I'm glad the author touched on everyone that he could. Overall, a good read!

[Wil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book.

[Chaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

For sure this is a puff piece. Interesting story of the family with much of the rough spots sanded off. The earlier chapters are the most interesting. It’s pretty obvious towards the end the author wants to remain in the family’s good graces moving forward…

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend and I listened to Growing Up Getty while on a road trip. We, of course, remembered the sensational kidnapping of John Paul Getty III and the founding of Getty Images. However, we had no idea about the mostly successful Getty off spring. It always seems that those who are involved in some sort of scandal get all of the attention. Not that we will remember any details, but many Gettys have contributed to the betterment of our world.

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fine. Kinda like a series of dry wikipedia articles strung together in one place. Not sensationalized at all which works in its favor. Hard to keep track of all the players since none are terribly interesting to me.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Paul Getty was born in Minnesota in 1892. His father was an attorney, who subsequently bought some land and oil rights, boosting the family into wealth. J. Paul was very smart and studious. He spoke several languages and loved to read. His father gave him some money to expand the oil business, which he did very savvily. He did a lot of lucrative business deals, founding the Getty Oil Company in 1942. He was married five times, and had five children. One son, Timmy, died at age 12.

John Paul II, the third son of J. Paul, was an interesting man as well. He was married to Gail, with whom he had four kids, but married a Polish model, Talitha, after their divorce. Talitha died of a heroin overdose, and JP II had also become addicted during this time. This disappointed J. Paul and JP II eventually resigned from the company. One of his sons, Mark, went on to found the Getty Images company we all know today. His daughter, Ariadne, went on to be a film producer. His son with Talitha had the most bizarre name... Tara Gabriel Gramophone Galaxy Getty... who became an ecological conservationist in Africa. His other son, John Paul III, was kidnapped and held for ransom, which his father did not pay. His life was very unfortunate, having turned to drugs and alcohol to deal with the trauma, which caused him to have a stroke and be chair bound until he died.

The situation with the kidnapping is just one of the first in a long line of tragic occurrences. Of course, Timmy's death at age 12 was the real beginning. Several members of the family have died due to old age, drugs, etc. Several other Getty relatives have made a name for themselves. August Getty designs dresses worn on the red carpet. Nats Getty designs streetwear and is a well known LGBTQ activist. Anne Getty Earhart is an environmentalist. There are several musically inclined ones, and most all of them are supportive of arts, causes, and philanthropy.

Personal Thoughts: Wow. Where to begin. I got this book with my Audible credits, and I was looking forward to reading it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it took me forever to get through. (My own fault, not the book.) This book was extremely well researched, and provided a lot of details about many of the family members, especially John Paul Getty. I was aware of Getty Images before I read this book, so the connection to that pop culture thing was neat. I was mostly aware of the Getty family thanks to some true crime show about the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III. The book does mention a lot of the art collections and philanthropy projects by various members of the family, which I plan to do a deeper dive into. (I can't stand when people support causes simply because of famous names, especially in the climate we are unfortunate enough to be living in right now.) Overall, I thought this book was extremely interesting and informative. I really enjoyed learning about this family. It's a large family and there are a whole cast of characters, so I was never bored. I think I could have benefitted from a flow chart though. If you are into family dynasties, this is one I would highly recommend picking up.

[Abby Epplett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the full review on my blog: https://abbyeppletthistorian.blogspot...

At about 270 pages of well-written text, plus a substantial bibliography and a large family tree, this book bridges the gap between gossip column and biography to create a sometimes compelling, sometimes pandering narrative about this ultra wealthy clan.

The book is divided into four sections, explaining the rise of Jean Paul Getty as an oil baron and savvy businessman, and the subsequent lives of his descendents, many of whom are politically and socially today. Reginato has a special focus on the children and grandchildren of J. Paul Getty II, the oldest son of his fourth marriage (Getty I was married five times), and the family of Getty II’s younger brother, Gordon. This section of the family includes famously kidnapped J. Paul Getty III, whose plight was featured in the 2017 movie All the Money in the World; stock photo maven Mark Getty, who founded Getty Images; and political influencer Ann Gilbert Getty, who heavily sponsors Democrats like Vice President Kamala Harris, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Governor of California Gavin Newsom.

The design of the book, from its cover to the family tree and chapter order, is deliberately structured. The beautiful book jacket has a deep blue background, which sets off the metallic silver of an ornate spoon and gold of the cursive lettering. The early 20th century image of a gushing oil derrick at the center of the spoon supports the history-based intentions of the contents.

My major complaint is that the author is a Getty fan, excusing any hint of hypocrisy at their claims to support environmental causes while flying around in the “Jetty”, their personal Boeing 747, and somehow applauding as the family uses its wealth to influence elections. The closer the book comes to the present day, the more the text reads like an Instagram bio stan piece than rigorous academic research. I would not be surprised if the Getty family conveniently gave a few donations to the favorite charities of the author or took him to one of their many vacation mansions.

While this book started out strong as it recalled the life of the dynasty founder, the later chapters became tedious. An ideal reader of this book is a fan of reality television shows focused on the rich and famous while also appreciating popular non-fiction. This could be a tough sell. If the author had had spent more time either discussing the Getty Museum, castle restorations, and anthropological endeavors or the messy relationships, failed marriages, and drug addictions, this book would have fit more neatly into a preset audience.

[Karen Germain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to LibroFM and Simon and Schuster Audio for a copy of James Reginato’s Growing Up Getty: The Story of America’s Most Unconventional Dynasty.

Growing up in Southern California, the Getty name was part of my landscape. I went from visiting their incredible namesake museums to having a huge preteen crush on Balthazar Getty, who is just a few years older than me. I couldn’t help but be drawn to Reginato’s Growing up Getty, and I was not disappointed.

Reginato explores the humble beginnings of the Getty dynasty, which really came to fruition through the shrewd oil investments of J. Paul Getty in the early 1900’s. His father, who was also very financially successful, gave J. Paul Getty money for his initial investments, which he in turn, grew substantially. As much as J. Paul is known for his wealth, he is also known for his five marriages. J. Paul had five sons. Reginato explores these children and their off-spring, showing how each member of the Getty family has contributed to the Getty legacy.

I learned that many members of the Getty family are quite reserved and although they have contributed money, time, and ideas to better society, they have kept out of the limelight. Of those who have been in the public eye, Balthazar is famous for his acting career and youthful bad-boy behavior, and John Paul Getty III, is famous for having been kidnapped and held for ransom. The story of the kidnapping was made into a recent film starring Michelle Williams called, All the Money in the World. Reginato’s discussion of the kidnapping attempts to refute the popular mythology that J.Paul Getty was so miserly, that he coldly refused to pay the ransom. Reginato pitches an alternative scenario, where Getty is hampered by his money, power, and fame, making it a difficult decision to cave to the kidnapper’s demands.

Reginato paints a picture of a complex family tree, with diverse interests and desires. Some are using their money to work on environmental issues, some have been sidelined by addiction problems, and some are trying to strike out on their own. Its begs the question of what would the reader do if their problems were more about how to handle a legacy, than how to financially survive? I found much to admire in many of the Gettys. I was fascinated by their family rituals and deep connections in the United Kingdoms. They live in a world that is so exclusive and elusive, that I enjoyed the glimpse that Reginato provided. A fun and utterly enthralling read.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

There has certainly been enough media out there concerning the Getty family. In GROWING UP GETTY author James Reginato took the high ground and wrote a well sourced and documented chronicle of this "Most Unconventional Dynasty." While most tabloid writings have focused on tragic events like drugs, death and kidnapping, this book gives the reader a fascinating look at four generations of this family. Starting with the founder, J. Paul Getty, who made his money mostly in the oil business, but was much more multi-dimensioned than that and went on to found the Getty Art Museum, the best endowed museum in the world. The book then moves on the his four sons and their scions. I found this to be an interesting and pleasurable read. I applaud Reginato for his meticulous research and interviews. Yes, the Getty's are much richer than us, but they are still a family with lots of love and respect and loyalty to each other. If you are interested in lives of the rich and famous, or are interested in industrial dynasties. I highly recommend this book. Than you to goodreads for awarding me the copy.

[Jquick99 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t know much about Getty family before I got the book. So I found it interesting at first.

However, the ongoing number of descriptions of award ceremonies got old real fast. Course if you have hundreds of millions of dollars and you give 3 million here and there you get an award. Boring.

The author casually mentioned oldest son George F died at age 40 or 48 (could have sworn the author said in audiobook 40, but think it’s 48). Nothing else. Which prompted an online search.

This story is what the book should have had more of….George was drunk and also possibly on drugs. There was a pool party, or not…just a fight with family members. George locked himself in either the garage, his bathroom or his bedroom and then proceeded to try to stab himself in the chest or stomach with a barbecue fork.

When the door was broken down, people put him in a car to get medical help. However, they didn’t want to go to any hospital but they wanted to go someplace more discrete. George died. There is speculation that if he would’ve gone to the closest hospital he may have lived.

Oh, and geez, these people sure do like to get married and have kids.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review
This was a very detailed description of the early life of J Paul Getty growing up in Minnesota and becoming the richest man in America.
It covers his 5 marriages, affairs and 5 children and their personal growths and struggles dealing with the family dynasty and history.
Some of the children flourished and others had addictions and uncontrol able self destructive behaviors. The groups of people in their circles were wealthy and powerful.
The book also covers the grandchildren and the unfortunate kidnapping incident of a grandchild in Italy. J Paul was portrayed as a cold and unfeeling grandparent who refuses to pay the ransom. His reasons were to discourage additional kidnappings and to protect his family.
Their money was used to fund causes covering world environmental issues and the arts.
It was interesting to read how intersected their lives were with the rich and famous, and how some grandchildren choose to live their lives away from the spotlight.

[andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

The beginning chapter on the patriarch John Paul Getty himself was a 4. Interesting look full of gossipy tidbits but also a serious introspective look at the man. Unfortunately the rest of the book was zero stars to me. As many other reviewers have written...this read as a PR release for each and EVERY offspring, of which there frankly were just too many to easily keep track of. According to the author apparently every perfectly coiffed, perfectly dressed, perfect teethed, perfect mannered relative of Getty deserves sainthood. Any fault or vice is glossed over with a sentence or two, while the author (or worse the subject themselves) waxes poetically over their sacrifices and charity. It frankly got overbearing, nauseating, and BORING!
The author just came across as an employee of the family who was hired to put out a family press pamphlet and it was a total waste of time to read.
Just BLECH!!!!

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has to be one of the most comprehensive sources out there on the Getty family, especially up to the present day. The writing, as it moves towards the present-day Gettys is a bit sycophantic, but oddly enough, it is a strength of the book. So, for example, we read about Balthazar Getty's (remember him?) L.A. rap concerts and even some of the cringy lyrics to his songs. Do I need the author to point out that he is in his mid to upper 40s with kids in college, has a street inflected vocabulary despite elite boarding school, or that the legit street performers who make up his crew are probably very well paid. No, the author wisely gives the reader all the details and allows the readers to make up their own minds. This book, by and large, is a judgement free zone. It's refreshing actually.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re expecting a Succession-type story, this book will disappoint. But don’t get me wrong: there is plenty of drama, trauma, and international celebrity shenanigans. It’s also an admirably well-researched study of a genuine dynasty, drawing on such original documents as J Paul Getty’s personal diary.

For years, I thought that the FX series about the 1973 kidnapping of one of the elder Getty’s grandsons was the truth. While it was a hell of a story, that thing was, it seems, pure fiction. I’m glad I now have the facts straight.

Finally, the audiobook narration is particularly well-done. I listened to most of it on an extended interstate drive, and narrator Kevin R Free never let me down.

[John Behle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The audiobook got off to an interesting start. Jean Paul Getty was a good ol' fashioned oil ("black gold") millionaire. He worked as a greasy roustabout on oil drills in his gifted territory in Oklahoma in his early 20s, around 1914.

The family gushers made him rich, swiftly. Then...

There have been countless generations, marriages, break-ups, lawsuits and whim inspired ventures since JPG was born in 1892. Covering just the highlights of the convoluted shirttail relations gets tedious and hard to keep up with. Chapters are filled with name litanies.

This book got to be a slog.

[Richard Zimmelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the detail of various generations of Gettys including their individual endeavors, relationships, etc. I especially enjoyed the author's description of interactions between Pelosis, Newsomes, Harris's, and Gettys. Fabulous family living a high life most of us will never see nor experience. Certain members of the Getty family are very engrossing such as J Paul Jr, Talitha, Ann, Gordon, and others. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The book also introduces how the Getty's were involved with many public figures in different venues within high points of world history. Interesting to read about these family members in this context.

[James Steichen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ironically, a very low drama account of a very dramatic family. Presents the origins and history of the family in an organized and methodical manner. The early chapters on J. Paul Getty and the later chapters about Gordon and Ann Getty were most interesting to me. Illuminating to know the full story of their place in SF social life and politics. Extreme wealth is problematic and fraught but the Gettys (Gordon and Ann at least) have done something interesting with it and are not afraid to be unconventional.