Is Nicky Oppenheimer related to Robert Oppenheimer? The two prominent figures share a common surname and a Jewish heritage, but are they related?
Nicky Oppenheimer is a South African businessman and philanthropist best known as the former chairman of De Beers diamond mining company.
The billionaire formerly served as the deputy chairman of Anglo American, a global mining company.
On the other hand, Robert Oppenheimer was a theoretical physicist and professor of American nationality. He was well-known for leading the Manhattan Project.
Manhattan Project is the secret U.S. program that developed the first atomic bombs during World War II. As a result, he is regarded as the father of the atomic bomb.
As the two prominent figures have the same last name, many people are asking if they have any connection. Here’s everything we should know.
Also Read: Is Military Veteran Ray Epps Arrested? What Did He Do On 6 January, And Where is he Now?
Is Nicky Oppenheimer Related To Robert Oppenheimer?
No, Nicky Oppenheimer is not related to Robert Oppenheimer. There are no credible sources on their possible connection.
In addition, the two prominent personalities have different family backgrounds. Although both of them have German-Jewish heritage, the businessman and theoretical physicist have no direct genealogical connection.
The Oppenheimer name has long been associated with prominent figures in different realms, from business to science. Like many other surnames, the Oppenheimer name is common and exists in various parts of the world.
Robert Oppenheimer hailed from a Jewish-American family with German and Jewish ancestry.
On the other hand, Nicky Oppenheimer also belongs to a South African family of Jewish descent with German roots.
Their family histories have originated from different regions. Also, no evidence suggests that their family trees converge at any point.
Robert Oppenheimer Family Background
Robert Oppenheimer was a brilliant physicist born on 22 April 1904 in New York City.
As mentioned above, his family was Jewish immigrants from Germany. Ella (née Friedman)and Julius Seligmann Oppenheimer are the mother and father of the physicist. While his mom was a painter, his dad was a successful textile importer.
With few means, no money, baccalaureate education, or English language proficiency, the late physicist’s father immigrated to the United States as a teenager in 1888 from Hanau.
Moreover, Robert played a crucial part in the Manhattan Project. The project led to the creation of the atomic bomb. His contributions to science and the subsequent impact of the atomic bomb on history earned him both admiration and criticism.
He held a prominent position in the scientific community and served as the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II.
Robert Oppenheimer’s achievements and complex legacy have cemented his name in history as one of the most significant figures of the 20th century.
Nicky Oppenheimer Family Background
In contrast to Robert Oppenheimer’s scientific endeavors, Nicky Oppenheimer hails from a lineage deeply entrenched in the diamond industry.
Nicholas “Nicky” Oppenheimer – born on 8 June 1945 in Johannesburg, South Africa, inherited a vast diamond mining empire from his family.
The Oppenheimer family’s involvement in the diamond trade dates back to the early 20th century when Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, Nicky’s grandfather, founded the Anglo-American Corporation and later gained control of De Beers, the renowned diamond company.
In 2002, Nicky took over his father’s ownership of De Beers, which he later sold to Anglo American for $5.1 billion.
With an estimated $8 billion in net worth as of July 2023, the South African businessman is now the wealthiest person in South Africa.
You May Like: Andrew Findlay Missing Update: Is IT Entrepreneur Found After Boating Accident?
