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Archive of (29) letters from J. Paul Getty to film actress Jacqueline Evans, consisting of (18) autograph letters signed (two written on postcards) and (11) typed letters signed, spanning December 29, 1948, to September 9, 1971. Written from hotels and residences across Europe and the United States, including Rome, Naples, Milan, Paris, London, New York, and Sutton Place, the correspondence chronicles more than two decades of personal friendship between the billionaire oil magnate and the little-known actress. Most letters are signed simply "Paul," with a handful signed "J. Paul Getty" or initialed "P." Examples include:
- December 29, 1948: "I hereby forgive to you all your indebtedness to me arising from loans or advances made by me to you to date. The total, I believe, is approximately $1,850."
- June 4, 1951: "Your photo of publicity was good. The only flaw: someone besides me. When will we ever see each other??!!"
- February 4, 1952: "I don't believe that you should be living the way you do. I think you are alone too much… I don't think you should marry the man in Tijuana… unless you are really in love with him."
- April 20, 1952: "What in the world has happened? I wrote you weeks ago… and still no answer. Are you well? Would you like to meet me in a month or two?"
- May 1, 1952: "We're still close spiritually if not geographically… I don't know how many hills and how many waves are between us, but they don't matter, do they?"
- June 3, 1952: "We must do something about us. I understand you may come to England to visit your family, and then I could see you."
- April 6, 1955: "It reminded me of old times to hear your voice on the phone the other day. So you have finally decided to try your luck in Hollywood. As you say, Mexico hasn't been too rewarding or brought you much happiness and contentment."
- February 14, 1956: "Wonderful to hear from you. We must meet soon—1948 is too long!…Every year I get older, work harder, and… get poorer. Some progress!"
- December 8, 1958: "I hope you have managed to straighten out your affairs in Mexico… I tried to phone you the day you left but couldn't get the operator to locate you. Do please write me and tell me your plans."
- April 7, 1965: "I don't want to become financially involved in other people's business enterprises. It is a good way to create discord and disrupt old friendships."
- September 9, 1971: "Yolanda tells me that you are still very beautiful… All the best and let's keep in touch."
In overall very good to fine condition, with occasional rough edges, tears, small stains, or paperclip impressions. Accompanied by original envelopes and a larger archive of Evans's outgoing correspondence, secretary letters, holiday cards, bank transfer notices, and related personal papers. Far more personal than routine social correspondence, the letters reveal a warm friendship spanning more than two decades. Getty repeatedly addresses Evans as "Dearest Jackie," signs many letters "Love, Paul," worries over her prolonged silences, urges her not to marry another man unless she truly loves him, reminisces about their time together, and frequently expresses his hope that they will meet again while traveling throughout Europe and the United States.
Jacqueline Evans (1914–1989) was a British-born Mexican film actress whose career flourished during Mexico's Golden Age of cinema. After making her screen debut in 1946, she appeared in dozens of Mexican films over the next four decades, including Adventures of Casanova (1948), Simbad el mareado (1950), and Daniel Boone, Trail Blazer (1956). Beyond acting, Evans was the only woman, and one of very few competitors, to participate in all five original editions of the grueling Carrera Panamericana road race from 1950 through 1954.
