Slippery Facts About Aristotle Onassis, The Two-Faced Millionaire
The life of millionaire shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis is a riches to rags—and back to riches again—story. His underhanded business dealings were constantly under suspicion, and so was his unseemly pursuit of married women.
Operating in some of the world’s most glamorous locations, Onassis manipulated his romantic and commercial life with a lethal combination of an ice cold heart and undeniable charm.
1. He Had A Distinguished Start
Although he was Greek, Aristotle Socrates Onassis was actually born in Smyrna, Turkey in 1906. His father, Socrates, was a successful shipping entrepreneur, and as such, little Onassis not only enjoyed a charmed childhood, but also received an esteemed education. Unfortunately, no amount of privilege could save him from an unspeakable tragedy.
2. He Lost Everything
When he was only a teenager, Onassis experienced true fear as the the Greco-Turkey conflict changed his life forever. After the Great Fire of Smyrna in 1922, the Onassis family lost all their property and became refugees in search of a new home.
But sadly, they lost far more than just property: There was a gruesome human toll as well.
3. His Relatives Perished
During The Great Fire of Smyrna, the flames raged on for many days. A large number of people, including many of Onassis’ relatives, ran to a church for protection. Horrifically, the church caught fire and 500 people perished.
On that horrible day, Onassis lost uncles, aunts, and cousins—six loved ones in all. To put this tragedy behind him, Onassis packed his bags and never looked back.
4. He Moved On
In 1923, and at the tender age of 17, Onassis arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was clutching his few belongings and his Nansen passport—used for stateless people—and looking for a new life. Luckily, his language skills landed him a position as a telephone operator. But could Onassis ever be fulfilled by working a nine-to-five? Nope, he chose that job for a very underhanded reason.
