Athina Onassis, the last surviving heir of Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, turns 40 on January 29, 2025, but her life has unfolded largely away from the public eye, reflecting both luxury and solitude.
Born on January 29, 1985, Athina carries the weight of her family's grand legacy which includes wealth and tragedy. The granddaughter of Aristotle Onassis, she is the daughter of Christina Onassis and French businessman Thierry Roussel, who had a brief and tumultuous marriage. Athina is rarely seen in public, leading to her characterization as reclusive. Currently residing in Belgium, she has also lived around the world, including stints in Switzerland, Brazil, and the United States.
The Onassis family history is steeped in complications and sorrow. Christina Onassis, Athina's mother, died under tragic circumstances at just 37 years old, leaving behind young Athina. Christina struggled with addiction and faced tumultuous relationships, which only seemed to intensify after the death of her father, Aristotle, and brother, Alexandros, the result of various tragedies, including the high-profile affair with Jackie Kennedy.
When Christina passed away on November 19, 1988, Athina was just three years old. Her mother was found dead from pulmonary edema, leading Athina to live with her father, who was soon embroiled in legal battles for control over her inheritance. The Onassis fortune—which Athina would inherit upon turning 18—estimated at $800 million, became both her legacy and burden.
Leading up to her inheritance, Athina had affectionately visited the family estate on Skorpios, yet her relationship with her family’s history is complex. She returned to lay flowers on her mother's grave only ten years after her death. Despite expected riches, Athina found herself distancing from the jet-set lifestyle synonymous with the Onassis name.
She shares her passion for horses, which has helped her form her identity apart from her ancestry. This passion led her to meet Álvaro de Miranda Neto, known as Doda, whom she married in 2005. Their union, initially filled with hope and shared interests, became overshadowed by rumors of infidelity and public scrutiny. After 11 years of marriage, Athina divorced Doda, with reports indicating the separation was fraught with legal challenges, particularly related to financial settlements.
The divorce proceedings showcased how wealth could breed complications. Although Athina was said to be worth around $100 million post-divorce, significant legal wrangling ensued over their assets, including their equestrian properties. While reports mention Doda sought financial compensation, Athina reportedly managed to maintain most of her wealth intact.
Since then, she has deliberately reduced her visibility, engaging primarily with her equestrian pursuits. Athina's autobiography seems to echo the struggles known within her lineage, as hers has often mirrored themes of immense wealth paired with emotional solitude—a phenomenon many describe as the ‘Onassis curse.’
Business ventures have began to occupy parts of her life recently. She joined the board of directors of the French supermarket chain Groupe Casino, working as an independent director. This move reflects both her desire to reshape her identity and utilize her wealth positively, apart from legacy inheritance expectations.
Reflecting on her past, Athina's decision to distance herself from Skorpios and not claim her position within Greek high society speaks volumes about her wish to forge her narrative, one far removed from the familial expectations. She seems to acknowledge her heritage yet seeks peace within her personal choices and passions.
Despite her immense fortune and societal connections, Athina Onassis's story remains one of seeking authenticity amid the shadows cast by her illustrious lineage. On her 40th birthday, one can only ponder how she continues to balance her identity as both heiress and individual, redefining what it means to live under the weight of the Onassis name.