Savannah Guthrie's Family Isn't the First: History of Celebrities Paying Ransoms

On February 7, 2026, Savannah Guthrie published a video on her Instagram account in which she addressed the camera alongside her siblings, Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie. In the brief clip, Savannah unambiguously agreed to pay a ransom to get her mother, Nancy Guthrie, back home safe.

"We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."

After seeing that video and the earlier one of her tearfully pleading for her mom to come home, it's impossible not to feel heartbroken for Savannah Guthrie. The family must feel utterly isolated in this nightmare. However, there have been several times when other celebrities have paid ransom demands to get their loved ones back.

Frank Sinatra Jr. Was Kidnapped and Ransomed for $240,000 in 1963

On December 8, 1963, Frank Sinatra Jr.was abducted from his dressing room at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, and then the kidnappers demanded $240,000. His father, the iconic singer Frank Sinatra, paid the ransom, and his son was released unharmed after two days. Barry Keenan, Joe Amsler, and John Irwin were arrested and convicted of the kidnapping in 1964.

John Paul Getty III Was Held for $2.89 Million Ransom in 1973

On July 10, 1973, John Paul Getty IIIwas abducted in Rome. His famous oil tycoon grandfather, J. Paul Getty, was then sent the victim's ear and a demand for $17 million. After that figure was negotiated down to $2.89 million, the ransom was paid, and his grandson was set free after five months. Nine people were later charged with the kidnapping, but only two were convicted, with the others being set free due to insufficient evidence. Getty III later underwent surgery to reconstruct his ear

Patty Hearst Was Abducted and Ransomed for $6 Million Equivalent in 1974

On February 4, 1974, Patty Hearstwas kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). Her grandfather, the publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst (who inspired the movie Citizen Kane), paid a ransom of the equivalent of $6 million in food and cash to secure her freedom. Patty would go on to suffer from Stockholm syndrome, briefly rejoin the SLA, and be charged in connection with a bank robbery they pulled. She was convicted and sentenced to 7 years in prison, but was later released following a commutation. Her kidnappers were imprisoned for the abduction and other crimes.

Jorge and Juan Born Were Kidnapped for $60 Million Ransom in 1974

In September 1974, Bunge & Born heirs and executives Jorge Born and Juan Bornwere abducted by Montoneros guerrillas in Buenos Aires. Their family would later pay a $60 million ransom in 1975, which was a record high amount at the time. The Born brothers were held for roughly nine months before they were set free. The company would go on to move its headquarters after the incident.

Alfred Heineken Was Kidnapped for 35 Million Guilders in 1983

On November 9, 1983, the Heineken brewery CEO, Freddy Heineken, was abducted in Amsterdam. While he was held in soundproof cells, a demand for 35 million guilders (the equivalent of $20 million USD) was made and paid. The victim was released after 21 days, and his kidnappers were later sentenced to between three and 12 years behind bars.

Kevyn Wynn Was Kidnapped for $1.45 Million in 1993

On July 26, 1993, Kevyn Wynnwas taken from her Las Vegas home. Her famous father, casino billionaire Steve Wynn, paid a $1.45 million ransom that same day, securing her release within hours. In 1994, the kidnappers were convicted and sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison.