Porfirio Rubirosa, Dominican race car driver, polo player, and diplomat (d. 1965)

Porfirio Rubirosa Ariza (January 22, 1909 – July 5, 1965) was a figure of enigmatic charm and notoriety, a Dominican diplomat whose life transcended conventional boundaries. Born in San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic, Rubirosa cultivated a multifaceted persona, serving officially as a diplomat for the Dominican Republic, demonstrating skill as a race car driver, excelling as a polo player, and even holding military ranks within the country's armed forces.

His early life and career were intricately linked to the Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo. Rubirosa's association with Trujillo began in 1931 when he married Flor de Oro Trujillo, the dictator's eldest daughter. This union, though brief, catapulted him into the highest echelons of power and privilege within the Trujillo regime, securing his various diplomatic postings around the world, which included roles in prestigious cities such as Paris, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Rome, and New York. These diplomatic assignments often provided him with a convenient cover for his lavish lifestyle and other activities.

While publicly a staunch supporter and beneficiary of Trujillo’s patronage, Rubirosa’s position was not without darker implications. Throughout his diplomatic career, he was widely rumored to have served as an enforcer or even a political assassin for the authoritarian regime. These whispers, though never definitively confirmed, suggested he might have been involved in intelligence gathering or more sinister operations to protect Trujillo's interests and suppress dissent, leveraging his diplomatic immunity and access to move freely across international borders.

The Quintessential International Playboy

Beyond his official duties and the shadowy rumors, Rubirosa is perhaps most vividly remembered as the quintessential international playboy of the mid-20th century. His global notoriety stemmed from an exceptionally extravagant, jet-setting lifestyle that saw him frequenting the most exclusive social circles and glamorous destinations across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. He was a constant presence at high-society events, luxury resorts like the French Riviera, and elite sporting competitions, always surrounded by wealth and beauty.

Central to his legend was his purported extraordinary charisma and sexual prowess, which earned him a reputation as one of the most irresistible men of his time. He was an object of fascination for both men and women, embodying a certain masculine ideal of freedom, adventure, and conquest. His allure was attributed not just to physical attractiveness, but also to his impeccable style, wit, and a seemingly effortless ability to charm anyone he encountered, particularly women.

Marriages to the World's Richest Women

Rubirosa’s romantic life was as spectacular as his public persona. He was married five times, and his unions were often brief but always made headlines, particularly those with two of the wealthiest women in the world. His second marriage was to the American tobacco heiress Doris Duke in 1947, who was then considered one of the richest women globally. This marriage, though lasting only a year, reportedly brought him a significant financial settlement and lavish gifts, including a B-25 bomber aircraft, a fleet of sports cars, and a coffee plantation in the Dominican Republic.

His fourth marriage in 1954 was to Barbara Hutton, the Woolworth heiress, another incredibly wealthy American socialite often referred to as "the poor little rich girl" due to her challenging personal life despite immense wealth. This union lasted even less time, mere weeks, but cemented his image as a man who effortlessly moved between the world's most affluent women, seemingly for love, but always with an undercurrent of ambition.

His other spouses included Flor de Oro Trujillo (Rafael Trujillo's daughter), Danielle Darrieux (a famous French actress), and Odile Rodin (a young French actress who was his last wife and with whom he was married at the time of his death). These marriages, especially those to Duke and Hutton, not only provided him with immense financial resources but also further elevated his status and access within the global elite, enabling his famously lavish lifestyle.

Rubirosa's life of excess came to an abrupt end on July 5, 1965, at the age of 56, when he died in a car crash in Paris, France, after celebrating a polo victory. His legacy endures as the archetypal international playboy, a figure whose life was a blend of diplomatic intrigue, athletic pursuits, and unparalleled romantic adventures. He remains a symbol of an era of unfettered privilege and a man who mastered the art of living an extraordinary, if controversial, life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Porfirio Rubirosa

What was Porfirio Rubirosa best known for?
Porfirio Rubirosa is predominantly known as the quintessential international playboy of the mid-20th century, famous for his jet-setting lifestyle, legendary charm, and marriages to some of the world's wealthiest women, alongside his official roles as a Dominican diplomat, race car driver, and polo player.
How was Porfirio Rubirosa connected to Rafael Trujillo?
Rubirosa's initial connection to Rafael Trujillo was through his marriage to Trujillo's eldest daughter, Flor de Oro, in 1931. This alliance secured him various diplomatic positions worldwide, and he served as a loyal supporter and beneficiary of the regime, though he was also rumored to have undertaken more clandestine or enforcing roles for the dictator.
Who were the famous women Porfirio Rubirosa married?
Among his five marriages, the most notable were to two of the richest women in the world: American tobacco heiress Doris Duke and Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton. His other wives included Flor de Oro Trujillo, French actress Danielle Darrieux, and French actress Odile Rodin.
What made Porfirio Rubirosa an "international playboy"?
Rubirosa earned the title "international playboy" due to his exceptionally extravagant lifestyle, which involved constant travel to glamorous destinations, mingling with high society, participating in elite sports like polo and car racing, and his widely celebrated reputation for romantic conquests and magnetic appeal to women.
How did Porfirio Rubirosa die?
Porfirio Rubirosa died on July 5, 1965, at the age of 56, in a car accident in Paris, France. The fatal crash occurred after he had been celebrating a polo match victory.