7 Shocking Facts About Robert Kardashian Sr., Kim Kardashian's Father, That Still Haunt The Family

Robert George Kardashian Sr., the late father of reality television icon Kim Kardashian, remains one of the most intriguing and influential figures in American pop culture history, despite passing away over two decades ago. His legacy is far more complex than simply being the patriarch of the world's most famous family; it is intertwined with the infamous "Trial of the Century," a successful business career, and a deep-seated Armenian heritage.

As of December 18, 2025, the Kardashian family continues to honor his memory, with recent episodes of *The Kardashians* shedding new light on his personal life and the impact of his death. From a controversial Bible purchase to new details about his final marriage, here is an in-depth look at the life and enduring influence of Robert Kardashian Sr.

Robert George Kardashian Sr.: A Complete Biography

Robert George Kardashian Sr. was an American attorney and businessman who gained national recognition for his close friendship and role as a defense attorney for O.J. Simpson during his 1995 murder trial. He is the father of Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian, who would later achieve global fame through their reality television empire.

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• Full Name: Robert George Kardashian Sr.
• Born: February 22, 1944
• Died: September 30, 2003 (Aged 59)
• Cause of Death: Esophageal Cancer
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Armenian-American (Third-generation)
• Education: University of Southern California (B.S.), University of San Diego School of Law (J.D.)
• Career: Attorney, Businessman, Entrepreneur
• Spouse(s): Kris Houghton (later Kris Jenner, m. 1978; div. 1991), Jan Ashley (m. 1998; div. 1999), Ellen Pierson (m. 2003)
• Children: Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Rob Kardashian Jr.
• Notable Association: O.J. Simpson Defense Team
• Legacy: The Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health at UCLA

The O.J. Simpson Trial: The Defining Chapter

While Robert Kardashian Sr. was a successful entrepreneur and attorney for decades, his name became internationally synonymous with the O.J. Simpson double murder trial in 1995. This event not only defined his public life but also laid the groundwork for his family's future fame.

1. He Reactivated His Law License for the Trial

Kardashian had actually allowed his law license to become inactive a decade before the "Trial of the Century" due to his focus on business ventures. His involvement in the case was initially as a close personal friend of O.J. Simpson. However, he reactivated his license specifically to join Simpson's "Dream Team" of defense attorneys, a move that placed him directly in the national spotlight.

2. The Controversial Louis Vuitton Duffel Bag

One of the most enduring mysteries of the trial centers around a Louis Vuitton duffel bag. On the day of Simpson’s infamous low-speed Bronco chase, Kardashian was seen carrying a garment bag and a duffel bag from Simpson’s home. Prosecutors suggested the bag contained crucial evidence, possibly the murder weapon, which Kardashian may have helped his friend dispose of or hide.

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Kardashian later expressed doubts about his friend's innocence, a conflict that deeply troubled him. This internal struggle, which he shared with his children, is a key part of his personal narrative and is often referenced by Kim and Khloé on their reality show.

3. Kim Kardashian Paid $80,000 for a Family Artifact

In a bizarre and recent twist, Kim Kardashian purchased a significant piece of O.J. Simpson trial memorabilia: a Bible her father had given to Simpson. In late 2024, Kim successfully bid $80,000 for the Bible, which was part of Simpson's estate sale following his death.

This purchase was not just about owning a piece of history; it was a deeply personal act. The Bible contained a handwritten inscription from Robert Kardashian Sr. to O.J. Simpson. Kim stated her desire to retrieve the item for her family, seeing it as a tangible connection to her late father, despite its controversial origins.

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The Entrepreneur and Family Patriarch

Before the legal drama, Robert Kardashian Sr. was a successful businessman and the foundation of his family’s wealth. His entrepreneurial spirit is often credited as the source of the business acumen that his children, particularly Kim and Khloé, would later inherit.

4. He Co-Founded a Major Music Industry Trade Publication

Beyond law, Kardashian was a savvy investor. In the 1970s, he co-founded the music trade publication *Radio & Records*. This venture proved highly profitable, providing him with the financial security that allowed him to be a successful, if low-key, presence in the Los Angeles elite social scene before his children's fame.

5. His Net Worth Was Estimated at $30 Million

At the time of his death in 2003, Robert Kardashian Sr.'s net worth was estimated to be around $30 million. This substantial wealth came primarily from his successful business ventures and investments, not his law career. This financial foundation ensured the comfort and stability of his children, even before they became global reality stars.

6. The Armenian Heritage Was a Source of Immense Pride

Robert Kardashian Sr. was a third-generation Armenian-American, with his ancestors having fled the Armenian Genocide from towns in modern-day Turkey. He instilled a strong sense of pride in his children regarding their heritage.

Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé have since embraced this legacy, making widely publicized trips to Armenia and advocating for recognition of the Armenian Genocide, a direct continuation of the cultural identity passed down by their father.

His Lasting Influence and Recent Family Revelations

Robert Kardashian Sr. died suddenly from esophageal cancer, just weeks after his diagnosis in 2003. His death had a profound impact on his children, who often reflect on his life and the lessons he taught them.

7. Kim and Khloé Recently Addressed Tension with His Last Wife

In a recent arc on the family's Hulu series, *The Kardashians* (airing in early 2025), Kim and Khloé spoke candidly about their complicated relationship with Ellen Pearson, the woman their father married shortly before his death.

The sisters discussed the emotional difficulties surrounding his final months and the complexities of his will and estate. They revealed the tension that existed between the family and Pearson, highlighting how the pain of his loss was compounded by disagreements over his final wishes and personal belongings. This public discussion, two decades later, shows that his presence and the circumstances of his passing still resonate deeply with his children.

The ultimate tribute to Robert Kardashian Sr.'s legacy is the establishment of the Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health at UCLA, a testament to his family's commitment to turning their personal loss into a public benefit for cancer research and awareness. His life—from the courtroom drama to his quiet role as a devoted father and successful entrepreneur—continues to be a vital, foundational chapter in the ongoing story of the Kardashian family.