The Shocking Truth: How Old Was Robert Kardashian When He Died, And The Rapid Illness That Stunned His Family

The question of "How old was Robert Kardashian when he died?" is often asked, not just for a simple number, but because his passing came as a profound shock to the world and, more importantly, to his close-knit family. As of today, December 12, 2025, the legacy of the late attorney and businessman continues to shape the lives of his famous children, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob. He was a man known for his role in the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial and, later, as the patriarch of one of the world's most recognizable families. His death was sudden, marked by a devastatingly short battle with a highly aggressive disease, leaving his loved ones reeling and prompting a deeper understanding of his final years.

Robert George Kardashian passed away at the age of 59. His life was cut tragically short on September 30, 2003, a date that remains a painful anniversary for the Kardashian-Jenner family. The speed of his final illness—esophageal cancer—is a detail that adds a layer of sorrow and disbelief to the story of his death, making his age at the time feel all the more premature. This article delves into his life, his final diagnosis, and the lasting impact he has had on his family and their global empire.

Robert Kardashian: A Complete Biography and Profile

Robert George Kardashian was a prominent Armenian-American attorney and businessman who gained national notoriety for his involvement in the O.J. Simpson murder case. His life was a blend of successful entrepreneurship, legal practice, and, most famously, family life with his first wife, Kris Jenner, and their four children.

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• Full Name: Robert George Kardashian
• Date of Birth: February 22, 1944
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Date of Death: September 30, 2003
• Age at Death: 59 years old
• Cause of Death: Esophageal Cancer
• Education: University of Southern California (USC), USC Gould School of Law (J.D.)
• Career: Attorney, Businessman, Co-founder of Juice Inc. and Movie Tunes
• Spouses: Kris Houghton (m. 1978; div. 1991), Jan Ashley (m. 1998; ann. 1999), Ellen Pierson (m. 2003)
• Children: Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Rob Kardashian Jr.

The Shocking Timeline of Robert Kardashian’s Final Illness

The most striking and tragic detail about Robert Kardashian’s death is the incredibly short timeline between his diagnosis and his passing. It was a rapid, aggressive decline that left little time for treatment or for his family to fully process the severity of his condition.

Diagnosis and Rapid Decline

Robert Kardashian was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July 2003. This form of cancer, which affects the esophagus (the tube that runs from the throat to the stomach), is often discovered in its later stages, which contributes to its poor prognosis.

The diagnosis came as a complete shock to the family. He had been a seemingly healthy man, though he had reportedly been experiencing some symptoms. The cancer was already late-stage by the time it was identified.

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From the moment of his diagnosis in July 2003, Robert Kardashian lived for less than eight weeks. He passed away on September 30, 2003, at the age of 59. This rapid decline is a testament to the aggressive nature of the disease and is often cited by his children when discussing their grief and the sudden loss of their father.

A Legacy Beyond Reality TV

While the Kardashian name is now synonymous with reality television and global entrepreneurship, Robert’s public life was defined by a different kind of media frenzy: the 1995 O.J. Simpson murder trial. His role in the "Trial of the Century" is a critical part of his biography and legacy.

Robert Kardashian and O.J. Simpson were close friends. Robert had been a successful businessman for years, co-founding companies like Juice Inc., a frozen yogurt venture, and Movie Tunes, a music distribution business. He had let his law license lapse, but he reactivated it to join Simpson's defense team, dubbed the "Dream Team," which included high-profile attorneys like Johnnie Cochran and Robert Shapiro.

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His involvement was complicated. He was a supportive friend and a member of the defense, but not one of the lead trial lawyers. He famously read a letter from Simpson to the media during the initial pursuit of the white Ford Bronco. Robert's internal conflict over his friend's innocence, especially after the not-guilty verdict, became a major point of public discussion and was later dramatized in television series, solidifying his place in American legal history.

The Enduring Impact: How The Family Honors His Memory Today

The death of Robert Kardashian at 59 had a profound and lasting effect on his children, who were young adults and teenagers at the time: Kourtney was 24, Kim was 22, Khloé was 19, and Rob Jr. was just 16. Their father’s absence is a recurring, deeply emotional theme in their reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Kardashians.

Recent Tributes and Anniversaries

To ensure his memory remains current and fresh, the family consistently shares tributes on his birthday and the anniversary of his passing. The year 2024 marked what would have been Robert Kardashian’s 80th birthday, prompting a fresh wave of emotional posts and reflections from his children.

• Kim Kardashian often shares old family photos and reflections, remembering her father's "last wish" for her to continue her law career. She has also mentioned feeling her father's presence through spiritual mediums, keeping his memory alive.
• Khloé Kardashian has spoken openly about the difficulty of losing her father so young, stating that his death "changed our life for the best, but the worst." She has often expressed the pain of not having him there for major life events.
• Kourtney Kardashian uses social media to share handwritten notes and cards from her father, emphasizing his loving and supportive nature.
• Kris Jenner, his former wife, has paid tribute to him, reflecting on his character, particularly his commitment to philanthropy and his role as a loving father.

The Fight Against Esophageal Cancer

One of the most significant ways the family has honored Robert’s memory is by turning their grief into advocacy. His short, intense battle with esophageal cancer spurred his children and Kris Jenner to action. They have publicly supported medical institutions and research efforts, hoping to raise awareness and funding for the disease that took his life so quickly.

By sharing their personal story, the family has helped to shine a spotlight on the aggressive nature of esophageal cancer, urging others to seek early diagnosis and treatment. This philanthropic effort ensures that Robert Kardashian’s legacy is not only tied to his legal career or his famous children, but also to a meaningful cause that continues to save lives today.