Porfirio Rubirosa: 20th Century Casanova

Porfirio Rubirosa was one of the most famous and legendary icons of the 20th Century. Dominican born Rubirosa is not only remembered for his skills as a polo player, car racer, and diplomat, but also for being the ultimate ladies' man during the first half of the past century.

"Rubi", as he was called by friends, was linked to some of the most stunning women of his time such as: Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake, Kim Novak, Rita Hayworth, and Zsa Zsa Gabor, just to mention some. Married 5 times, Doris Duke & Barbara Hutton (who was also married to Cary Grant) are amongst his spouses.

Rubirosa was someone who lived life to the fullest; who enjoyed a lifestyle that inspired Ian Fleming while creating James Bond & Harold Robbins when writing "The Adventurers" (a novel based apparently on Rubirosa's life).

Porfirio Rubirosa's life came to an end on July 5, 1965 when his Ferrari crashed with some trees at the Bois du Boulogne in Paris, his favorite city. Yet his legend still lives on.

Below a photograph of Rubirosa & Zsa Zsa Gabor arriving at the Orly Airport in 1955. Those were the days when one travelled with style and elegance.

Photo: Flickr