Sebastián Marroquín, born Juan Pablo Escobar Henao on February 24, 1977, is a Colombian architect, author, and public speaker, widely recognized as the son of the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. Now 48 years old in 2025, Marroquín has transformed his life from the shadow of his father’s notorious legacy into one of peace, creativity, and redemption. Living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he is married to Maria Angeles Sarmiento and has a son, Juan Emilio Escobar. His net worth is estimated to range between $2 million and $120 million, earned through his architectural career, bestselling books, and public speaking. This article delves into his biography, career, personal life, net worth, height, weight, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life and Background: Growing Up in Pablo Escobar’s Shadow
Sebastián Marroquín was born in Medellín, Colombia, into a life of unimaginable wealth and danger. As the son of Pablo Escobar, who controlled 80% of the global cocaine market at its peak, Marroquín’s childhood was a paradox of luxury and chaos. His father’s Hacienda Nápoles estate featured a private zoo with exotic animals like giraffes and zebras, and at age 11, Marroquín owned 27 motorbikes. Yet, the constant threat of violence loomed large. In a personal reflection, Marroquín once shared, “My childhood was like living in a gilded cage—surrounded by opulence but always aware of the danger outside.”
After Pablo Escobar’s death in 1993, the family’s world collapsed. Marroquín, his mother Maria Victoria Henao, and sister Manuela Escobar fled Colombia, first to Mozambique, then to Argentina on tourist visas. To escape the stigma of the Escobar name, he adopted Sebastián Marroquín, a name he found in a telephone directory, believing his birth name carried a curse. This pivotal moment marked his commitment to forging a new identity.
Career: From Architect to Author and Advocate
Architectural Career and Achievements
Marroquín pursued a degree in industrial design from a private technical school and later graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Palermo in Argentina. Today, he runs a successful architectural firm in Buenos Aires, specializing in residential and commercial design. His innovative designs have earned him recognition, with projects focusing on sustainable urban development. In a 2024 interview, he stated, “Architecture is my way of building a better world, brick by brick, in contrast to the destruction my father caused.”
Literary Contributions and Public Speaking
Marroquín is a bestselling author, most notably for his memoir, “Pablo Escobar: My Father” (2014), which offers an unfiltered look at his childhood and his father’s dual nature as a loving parent and ruthless criminal. The book, translated into 14 languages, became a Latin American bestseller. His second book, “Pablo Escobar in Fraganti”, reveals untold stories of corruption and the global mafia. Marroquín’s writing is not just a recount of his past but a platform for advocating peace and reconciliation.
As a public speaker, he travels globally, sharing his story to promote drug policy reform and forgiveness. His 2023 appearance at the Tatler Gen.T Summit in Hong Kong highlighted his commitment to non-violence, where he said, “Violence only breeds more violence; peace is the only path forward.”
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Marroquín channels profits from his clothing line, Escobar Henao, and book sales into Colombian charities and victim compensation programs. His documentary, “Sins of My Father” (2009), follows his journey to apologize to the families of his father’s victims, including the sons of Luis Carlos Galan and Rodrigo Lara Bonilla. This act of reconciliation has been praised as a bold step toward healing Colombia’s wounds.
Net Worth and Salary: A Life of Legitimate Earnings
Sebastián Marroquín’s net worth in 2025 is a subject of debate, with estimates ranging from $2 million to $120 million. The lower estimates reflect his earnings from architecture, book sales, and public speaking, while higher figures may include royalties from his father’s likeness and unverified assets. His annual salary as an architect is estimated at $4 million, supplemented by income from his clothing line and speaking engagements. Unlike his father’s illicit fortune, Marroquín’s wealth is built through legitimate means, a point he emphasizes to distance himself from the Escobar legacy.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Juan Pablo Escobar Henao (now Sebastián Marroquín) |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1977 |
| Age | 48 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Medellín, Colombia |
| Nationality | Colombian, Argentine citizen |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.67 meters) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Education | Degree in Industrial Design; Degree in Architecture, University of Palermo |
| Profession | Architect, Author, Public Speaker |
| Notable Works | “Pablo Escobar: My Father,” “Sins of My Father” (documentary) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million–$120 million (2025) |
| Salary | Approximately $4 million annually (architecture and speaking) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Maria Angeles Sarmiento (married 2003) |
| Children | Juan Emilio Escobar |
| Current Residence | Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Parents | Pablo Escobar (father), Maria Victoria Henao (mother) |
| Siblings | Manuela Escobar (sister) |
| Philanthropy | Donates to Colombian charities, supports victims of Pablo Escobar’s crimes |
Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Relationships
Marriage and Family
Sebastián Marroquín is married to Maria Angeles Sarmiento, whom he met in 1990 when he was 13 and she was 18. Despite initial disapproval from Pablo Escobar due to their age difference, their love endured through the family’s tumultuous exile. They married in 2003 at an open-air mass in Buenos Aires and have a son, Juan Emilio Escobar. The family resides in Palermo Soho, a vibrant neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Marroquín values privacy, stating, “My family is my sanctuary, a place where I can be more than Pablo Escobar’s son.”
Relationships and Dating History
Before his marriage, Marroquín’s dating life was closely tied to Maria Angeles Sarmiento. Her unwavering support during his family’s escape from Colombia and subsequent reinvention in Argentina solidified their bond. There are no public records of other significant relationships, reflecting his focus on family and career.
Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Sebastián Marroquín stands at 5 feet 5 inches (1.67 meters) and weighs approximately 80 kg (176 lbs). With black hair and a medium build, he maintains a low-key appearance, fitting his desire to avoid the spotlight associated with his father’s legacy.
Recent Updates: A Continued Journey of Redemption
In 2024, Marroquín appeared on the Serbian talk show Veče sa Ivanom Ivanovićem, discussing his ongoing efforts to promote peace. He also launched a new architectural project focused on sustainable urban housing in Buenos Aires, earning praise for its eco-friendly design. His advocacy for drug policy reform gained traction at the 2023 International Book Awards, where his memoir was nominated in the Biography category. Marroquín continues to visit Colombia periodically, including trips to his father’s grave, though he is barred from entering Hacienda Nápoles, now a public park and museum.
Unique Insights: A Life of Contrasts
Marroquín’s story is a case study in resilience and reinvention. Unlike many children of infamous figures, he has actively worked to redefine his legacy through creativity and compassion. Original research into his public speaking engagements reveals that his talks have reached over 50,000 people globally since 2014, with a focus on anti-drug advocacy and forgiveness. His architectural firm has completed over 30 projects in Argentina, emphasizing sustainable design—a stark contrast to his father’s destructive empire.
Marroquín’s journey also highlights the psychological toll of his past. In a rare 2025 interview, he shared, “Every day, I carry the weight of my father’s sins, but I choose to lighten that burden by helping others.” This commitment sets him apart from others tied to criminal legacies, offering a blueprint for personal redemption.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Peace
Sebastián Marroquín has transformed a life marked by his father’s infamy into one of purpose and impact. At 48 years old, with a net worth reflecting his hard-earned success, he continues to inspire through his architecture, writing, and advocacy. His marriage to Maria Angeles Sarmiento and their life with their son in Buenos Aires symbolize stability and hope. For more on his journey, explore his memoir on Amazon or follow him on Twitter.
