The Quiet Life: 5 Shocking Facts About Marguerite Whitley, O.J. Simpson's First Wife

Decades after her divorce from football legend O.J. Simpson, Marguerite Whitley remains one of the most private and resilient figures connected to one of America’s most infamous sagas. While the media spotlight relentlessly focused on the celebrity and subsequent murder trial involving Nicole Brown Simpson, Marguerite quietly rebuilt her life, choosing a path of profound privacy and personal healing. As of today, December 13, 2025, she has successfully navigated the complexities of being a former NFL star's wife, a mother, and a survivor, carving out a life far removed from the sensationalism that defined her ex-husband’s career. Her story is one of quiet strength, a deliberate retreat from the public eye, and a focus on family.

Born in 1949, Marguerite was a high school sweetheart who married O.J. Simpson before his rise to national fame. Her life, though marked by early success and tragedy, is a testament to resilience. She is a woman who chose to redefine her narrative, moving past the shadow of her ex-husband's notoriety to focus on her children and her own well-being. This in-depth look explores the key facets of her life, from her early romance to her current private endeavors.

Marguerite Whitley: A Comprehensive Biography

Marguerite L. Whitley was born in 1949, making her approximately 76 years old as of 2025. Her life began in San Francisco, California, where she met O.J. Simpson during their high school years.

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• Full Name: Marguerite L. Whitley
• Date of Birth: 1949
• Age (Approx. 2025): 76 years old
• Place of Birth: San Francisco, California
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces (based on 1949 birth year)
• First Marriage: O.J. Simpson (Married June 24, 1967; Divorced 1979)
• Subsequent Husbands: Rudolph Lewis and Anthony Thomas
• Children: Arnelle L. Simpson (b. 1968), Jason L. Simpson (b. 1970), and Aaren L. Simpson (b. 1977; d. 1979)
• Known Career: Interior Design (post-divorce)
• Current Status: Extremely private, living away from the media spotlight.

The Early Years: Marriage to a Rising NFL Star

Marguerite and O.J. Simpson’s relationship began long before the fame, dating back to their time at Galileo High School in San Francisco. They were married on June 24, 1967, the same year O.J. was drafted into the NFL. Their marriage coincided with O.J. Simpson’s meteoric rise to stardom, first as a Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Southern California (USC) and then as a star running back for the Buffalo Bills.

The early years saw the couple move to Amherst, New York, where O.J. played for the Bills. During this time, they welcomed three children: their eldest daughter, Arnelle Simpson, born in 1968; their son, Jason Simpson, born in 1970; and their youngest daughter, Aaren Simpson, born in 1977.

Despite the outward appearance of a successful family, the marriage was fraught with challenges, including infidelity on O.J.'s part. In 1977, O.J. began a relationship with a then-18-year-old Nicole Brown, which ultimately led to the end of his first marriage. The couple divorced in 1979 after 12 years of marriage.

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The divorce was a tumultuous period, further complicated by a devastating personal tragedy. In August 1979, just before the divorce was finalized, their youngest child, two-year-old Aaren, tragically drowned in the family's swimming pool in Brentwood. This unimaginable loss added a layer of profound grief to an already difficult separation, forcing Marguerite to confront both public scrutiny and private sorrow.

A Deliberate Retreat: Life After O.J. Simpson

Following her divorce and the tragic death of her daughter, Marguerite Whitley made a definitive choice to retreat from the media and the celebrity lifestyle that had defined her marriage. She moved out of the Brentwood home and intentionally pursued a quiet, private life.

1. Rebuilding with New Marriages and Career

Marguerite’s commitment to building a new life is evident in her subsequent relationships. She remarried twice after her divorce from O.J. Simpson. Her second husband was Rudolph Lewis, and her third husband was Anthony Thomas. These relationships, unlike her first, were kept out of the intense public glare, reflecting her desire for normalcy and stability.

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Her professional life also took a new direction. Sources indicate that Marguerite transitioned into the field of interior design, a career path that allowed her to use her creativity and maintain a degree of privacy. She reportedly met her third husband, Anthony Thomas, through her work in this space. This career choice is a significant entity in her personal story, showing a woman who actively sought a professional identity independent of her former husband's fame.

2. The Domestic Abuse Allegations and Public Silence

The narrative surrounding Marguerite’s first marriage was further complicated by later revelations of domestic abuse. During the 1994 "Trial of the Century," a police officer testified that O.J. Simpson had struck Marguerite during their marriage. This testimony connected her experience to the later, more publicized abuse of Nicole Brown Simpson. Despite being drawn back into the spotlight by the murder trial, Marguerite maintained a dignified silence, refusing to ride the wave of media sensationalism. Her decision to remain silent and private during this period is a powerful demonstration of her resilience and commitment to shielding her family from further scrutiny.

3. Supporting Her Children and Grandchildren

Marguerite’s primary focus has always been her surviving children, Arnelle and Jason Simpson, and her role as a grandmother. Arnelle Simpson, born in 1968, has been the most public of O.J.'s children, often speaking out in support of her father during his legal troubles. Jason Simpson, born in 1970, has also faced public scrutiny, particularly due to unsubstantiated theories connecting him to the 1994 murders. Marguerite's unwavering support for her children, who have had to navigate their father's controversial legacy, is a central theme of her later life. She has provided them with a stable, private foundation away from the constant tabloid attention.

Marguerite Whitley in the Current Day (2025)

As of late 2025, Marguerite Whitley continues to live a life of intentional privacy. Unlike many figures connected to high-profile scandals, she has not sought to profit from her past or participate in documentaries like O.J.: Made in America. Her life is a model of quiet strength and a refusal to be defined by a painful past.

While details of her current residence and activities are scarce—a testament to her successful commitment to privacy—she is known to have connections to California, with property records linking her to the Fresno area. She is a woman who has endured the pressures of fame, the tragedy of loss, and the shadow of scandal, yet emerged with her own identity intact. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that true resilience often lies not in seeking the spotlight, but in the quiet, determined act of rebuilding one's life on one's own terms.

Marguerite's legacy is not defined by her ex-husband's actions, but by her role as a mother, her work in interior design, and her deliberate choice to live a life of peace. She represents a powerful entity in the O.J. Simpson saga: the forgotten first wife who chose self-preservation and dignity over media exposure.