Robert Kardashian | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 09, 2024

Who is Robert Kardashian?

Robert Kardashian was a prominent American lawyer and businessman born on February 22, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. He came from Armenian-American heritage, with parents who owned a successful meat-packing company. After attending Dorsey High School, he earned a degree in business administration from the University of Southern California and later obtained a law degree from the University of San Diego. Early in his career, Kardashian practiced law for nearly a decade before transitioning into various business ventures. Notably, he co-founded Radio & Records in 1973, and his close friendship with O.J. Simpson would later play a significant role in his public life.

Kardashian gained national attention as a member of O.J. Simpson's defense team during the high-profile murder trial in 1994-1995, where Simpson was accused of killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. Known for his unwavering loyalty, Kardashian allowed Simpson to stay in his home following the murders and was pivotal in managing public relations during the chaotic aftermath. As part of Simpson's "Dream Team," which comprised several notable lawyers, Kardashian provided legal expertise and emotional support throughout the trial, culminating in Simpson's acquittal. However, after the trial, Kardashian expressed doubts about Simpson's innocence, indicating a shift in their relationship over the years.

Early Life and Education

Robert George Kardashian was born on February 22, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, to Armenian-American parents who owned a successful meat-packing business. Growing up in a family with entrepreneurial roots, Kardashian was motivated to pursue education and carve out his own path. He attended Dorsey High School, where he honed his leadership skills and abilities. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Southern California, graduating with a degree in business administration in 1966. This solid foundation in business would later serve him well in his ventures outside the legal field.

Following his undergraduate education, Kardashian furthered his academic pursuits by earning a law degree from the University of San Diego. This decision marked the beginning of his professional journey as a lawyer in the late 1960s. For nearly a decade, he worked in various legal capacities before shifting his focus toward business opportunities. Throughout his early life and education, Kardashian developed a diverse set of skills and experiences that ultimately shaped his future career as a businessman and his friendship with football star O.J. Simpson.

Career Start: Transition from Lawyer to Businessman

Robert Kardashian began his professional journey as a lawyer in the late 1960s, marking the beginning of a multifaceted career. After earning a law degree from the University of San Diego, he practiced law for nearly a decade. However, his entrepreneurial spirit soon took over, leading him to explore opportunities beyond the courtroom. In 1973, he co-founded Radio & Records, a trade publication, showcasing his ability to pivot from legal work to the business sector. This venture not only marked his transition but also solidified his reputation as a savvy businessman.

During this time, Kardashian formed a significant friendship with football star O.J. Simpson, which would later intertwine their careers. Together, they embarked on various business ventures, including a frozen yogurt shop and a music video company. Their collaboration exemplified Kardashian's knack for entrepreneurship and social networking. While balancing family life with his first wife, Kris Jenner, and expanding his business portfolio, Kardashian established a reputation as a well-connected figure in both legal and business circles. This transition would ultimately lead him into the national spotlight during his involvement in the O.J. Simpson trial, illustrating how his legal expertise complemented his ventures in business.

Notable Career: Lawyer for O.J. Simpson

Robert Kardashian's prominence in the legal field surged during one of the most notorious criminal trials in American history. In 1994, after the brutal murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, Kardashian demonstrated unwavering loyalty to his friend O.J. Simpson. In the wake of the killings, Kardashian took Simpson into his home, offering support amidst a media frenzy. He famously became a voice for Simpson when he read a letter—deemed a possible suicide note—during a press conference, bringing significant public attention to the case. This act marked the beginning of Kardashian’s deep involvement in a trial that would captivate the nation.

Kardashian's legal expertise was reinstated as he joined Simpson’s defense team, known as the "Dream Team," which included high-profile lawyers such as Robert Shapiro and Johnnie Cochran. His role in the trial was crucial, as he helped navigate the complexities of the prosecution's case. As the courtroom battles unfolded, Kardashian's relationship with Simpson came under scrutiny, especially regarding concerns about blood evidence that emerged during the trial. Despite his initial fervent support, Kardashian later expressed doubts about Simpson’s innocence, demonstrating the complexities of friendship and professional duties in a high-stakes legal environment. The outcome of the trial saw Simpson acquitted, but the impact on Kardashian's life was profound, leading to a gradual distancing from his former friend.

Life After the O.J. Trial

After the highly publicized O.J. Simpson trial, Robert Kardashian's close friendship with Simpson began to deteriorate. In 1996, Kardashian publicly expressed doubts about Simpson's innocence, particularly regarding the blood evidence presented during the trial. This marked a significant shift in Kardashian's position, as he had previously been a staunch supporter of Simpson throughout the legal proceedings. His candid admission suggested that his faith in his friend's innocence was not as unwavering as it once seemed, ultimately contributing to a growing rift between the two men.

Kardashian's personal life also saw changes following the trial. He experienced the end of his marriage to Kris Jenner in 1991 and went on to marry twice more, with Ellen Pierson being his last spouse in 2003. Tragically, their marriage was short-lived; just weeks after their wedding, Kardashian was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which he battled until his untimely death on September 30, 2003. Despite his controversial legacy, Kardashian remains a significant figure in American pop culture, his life and its complexities examined in later portrayals, including the television series, "American Crime Story: People v. O.J. Simpson."

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Robert Kardashian's personal life was marked by significant relationships and a growing family. He married his first wife, Kris Jenner, in 1978. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Kourtney, in 1979, followed by Kimberly (commonly known as Kim) in 1980. Their family later expanded with the births of Khloé in 1984 and son Rob in 1987. The Kardashian household was known for its vibrant dynamics as the family regularly socialized with O.J. Simpson and his then-girlfriend Nicole Brown. However, Kardashian's marriage to Kris ended in divorce in 1991, a significant turning point in his personal life.

After his divorce from Kris, Robert Kardashian briefly married Jan Ashley in 1998, but this union lasted only a year. He would marry for a third time to Ellen Pierson in 2003, albeit under tragic circumstances, as it came shortly before he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Despite the challenges in his personal life, Robert Kardashian remained a dedicated father to his four children, who have since become prominent figures in entertainment and business. His legacy continues through them, marking Kardashian as not just a lawyer and businessman, but also a devoted family man.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Wealth

Robert Kardashian was not only known for his role as a lawyer and a member of O.J. Simpson's defense team but also for his various business ventures that contributed to his wealth. At the height of his career, Kardashian was involved in several profitable enterprises, including the notable start-up of Radio & Records in 1973. This trade publication grew to be influential in the music industry, further establishing Kardashian's footprint as an entrepreneur. Additionally, his investment in a frozen yogurt shop alongside O.J. Simpson showcased his flair for identifying promising business opportunities, helping him accumulate significant financial resources over the years.

Although specific figures regarding Robert Kardashian's net worth at the time of his passing are not widely documented, it is estimated that he accumulated wealth in excess of $30 million. His marriage to Kris Jenner, with whom he had four children, played a pivotal role in shaping the Kardashian family's legacy and ensuing business empire. Following his death, the Kardashian family leveraged their fame, launching successful ventures in reality television, beauty, and fashion, ultimately further increasing their wealth. Today, the Kardashian brand stands as a testament to Robert’s initial influence and entrepreneurial spirit, which laid the foundation for one of Hollywood’s most recognized families.