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Who Was Robert Kardashian?
Robert Kardashian began his career as a lawyer in the late 1960s before transitioning into various business ventures. Among his notable collaborations was a partnership with football legend O.J. Simpson during the 1970s and 1980s. In 1994, Kardashian gained national attention when he joined Simpson’s defense team following the murder of Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. Kardashian stood by Simpson throughout the highly publicized trial in 1995; however, their relationship deteriorated after Simpson’s acquittal.
Early Life and Family
Born on February 22, 1944, Robert Kardashian was the son of Armenian-American parents who owned a successful meat-packing company. He was raised in Los Angeles and attended Dorsey High School. Kardashian earned a degree in business administration from the University of Southern California in 1966, followed by a law degree from the University of San Diego.
Kardashian practiced law for nearly a decade before shifting his focus to business. In 1973, he, along with his brother and an investor, founded Radio & Records, a trade publication. It was during this time that he formed a close friendship with O.J. Simpson. The two embarked on several entrepreneurial ventures, including a frozen yogurt shop and a music video company. Their families also enjoyed a close relationship.
Kardashian married his first wife, Kris, in 1978. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Kourtney, in 1979, followed by daughter Kim in 1980. The Kardashian family frequently socialized with Simpson and his then-girlfriend, Nicole Brown, who later became his wife in 1985. Their family continued to grow with the addition of daughter Khloé and son Robert Jr.
O.J. Simpson’s Lawyer: Robert Kardashian
Robert Kardashian emerged as a steadfast friend to O.J. Simpson in 1994, during the tumultuous aftermath of the murders of Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. In the immediate wake of these events, Kardashian offered refuge to Simpson, allowing him to stay in his home. Notably, he was seen removing a piece of Louis Vuitton luggage from Simpson’s estate, which many speculated might have contained critical evidence against Simpson. This friendship placed Kardashian in the national spotlight when Simpson, rather than surrendering to the police, chose to evade authorities. During a press conference organized by Simpson’s attorney, Robert Shapiro, Kardashian publicly read a letter from Simpson that many interpreted as a suicide note.
Following a dramatic televised police chase, Simpson was apprehended and later brought to trial in 1995 for the murders. At this time, Kardashian, who had been a businessman, sought to re-establish his legal credentials to join Simpson’s defense team, famously dubbed the “Dream Team,” which also included renowned lawyers Robert Shapiro, Johnnie Cochran, and F. Lee Bailey. Throughout the protracted trial, Kardashian remained a supportive presence for Simpson as they faced off against prosecutors Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden. The jury ultimately acquitted Simpson of the murder charges in October of that year.
Life After the O.J. Trial
Despite their close friendship, Kardashian’s faith in Simpson’s innocence began to wane. In a 1996 interview with ABC News, he expressed his reservations, stating, “The blood evidence is the biggest thorn in my side; that causes me the greatest problems. So I struggle with the blood evidence.” Additionally, he contributed to Larry Schiller’s book American Tragedy, which provided an in-depth examination of Simpson’s trial and defense team.
Kardashian’s personal life saw significant changes following the trial. After divorcing Kris Jenner in 1991, he married twice more. His third marriage to Ellen Pierson took place in 2003, shortly after he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Tragically, Kardashian passed away just weeks later, on September 30, 2003, at his home in Los Angeles, at the age of 59.
In 2016, the television series American Crime Story: People v. O.J. Simpson debuted, featuring David Schwimmer as Kardashian. The series delves into the intricate details of the trial, shedding light on the complexities of the legal proceedings and the relationships involved.