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Porfirio Rubirosa

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Porfirio Rubirosa Ariza was a man of many different roles and high-profile connections.

He was a Dominican diplomat, a soldier, and a professional athlete. He was also a famous international socialite. This means he moved through the most elite circles of global society. He lived a jetsetting lifestyle that captured the world's attention. His life combined politics, high-speed sports, and many famous romantic connections.

Rubirosa was born in 1909 in San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic.

Los hermanos Rubirosa-en Francia
Los hermanos Rubirosa-en Francia

He was the third child of Pedro María Rubirosa and Ana Ariza Almánzar. His family belonged to the upper-middle class. His father was a diplomat who served as the Chief of the Dominican Embassy to Paris. Because of his father's work, Rubirosa grew up in Paris, France. He returned to his home country at age 17 to study law. However, he decided to join the military instead of practicing law.

His professional path was deeply connected to the dictator Rafael Trujillo. In 1931, Rubirosa met Trujillo at a country club. The following day, Trujillo appointed him a lieutenant in the Presidential Guard. This meeting began a lifelong relationship between the two men. Trujillo's patronage helped define Rubirosa's entire career. In 1936, Rubirosa entered the diplomatic service, following in his father's footsteps. He served in many major cities, including Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Buenos Aires.

Porfirio-rubirosa-y-flor-de-oro
Porfirio-rubirosa-y-flor-de-oro

He even witnessed the Cuban Revolution while stationed in Havana.

Rubirosa's diplomatic career was often influenced by his personal reputation. While he was an asset to the Trujillo regime, his lifestyle caused scandals. These scandals sometimes led Trujillo to dismiss him or transfer him to different posts. For example, he was removed from his post in Paris in 1953. Even so, Trujillo once remarked that Rubirosa was good at his job. He believed Rubirosa was successful because he was a wonderful liar. After Trujillo was assassinated in 1961, Rubirosa tried to support the dictator's son, Ramfis. When the Trujillo family fled the country, Rubirosa's diplomatic career ended. In 1962, the Council of State removed him from his role as Inspector of Embassies.

His personal life was as famous as his political work. Rubirosa was married five times and had no children. Two of his wives, Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton, were among the richest women in the world. These marriages brought him immense wealth and luxury. From Doris Duke, he received an annual alimony of $25,000, a fishing fleet, and a B-25 bomber. From Barbara Hutton, he received a coffee plantation, more jewelry, and $2.5 million.

He was also romantically linked to many famous actresses and celebrities.

Beyond politics and romance, Rubirosa was a dedicated athlete. He had two great passions: polo and car racing. He organized and led a successful polo team called Cibao-La Pampa. He competed in the Coupe de France and played until his death. He also owned several Ferraris and participated in famous races. He drove in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1950 and 1954. He also competed in races at Sebring. Although he planned to drive in a Formula One race in 1955, he fell ill and could not compete.

Rubirosa's life ended suddenly in a tragic accident. On July 5, 1965, he was driving in Paris after an all-night celebration. He had been celebrating a polo victory at the nightclub "Jimmy's." While driving his silver Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet, he crashed into a tree in the Bois de Boulogne. He was 56 years old at the time of his death. He is buried in the Cimetière de Marnes la Coquette in Paris. His life remains a subject of interest due to his many roles in history.

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File:Los hermanos Rubirosa-en Francia.png
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File:Porfirio-rubirosa-y-flor-de-oro.jpg
Porfirio-rubirosa-y-flor-de-oro.jpg
File:Zsa Zsa Gabor with playboy Porfirio Rubirosa Ariza, circa 1954.jpg
Zsa Zsa Gabor with playboy Porfirio...
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