5 Surprising Facts About Robert Kardashian Sr.'s Health: Did He Smoke, Drink, Or Have A Family History Of Cancer?

The question of whether Robert Kardashian Sr. smoked is a topic that continues to generate curiosity, especially given his untimely death from a form of cancer often associated with lifestyle factors. As of December 2025, the most consistent and definitive information comes directly from his family, revealing a surprising truth that challenges common assumptions about the late patriarch’s health habits and the mysterious nature of his illness.

Contrary to what many might assume, the late Robert George Kardashian Sr., the renowned attorney and father to the famous Kardashian siblings, did not smoke or drink alcohol. This fact has been repeatedly confirmed by his ex-wife, Kris Jenner, and his children, Kim and Khloé Kardashian, who have all publicly discussed his remarkably healthy lifestyle in the years leading up to his devastating esophageal cancer diagnosis.

Robert Kardashian Sr. Biography and Profile

Robert George Kardashian was an American attorney and businessman who gained national recognition for his role as a friend and defense attorney for O. J. Simpson during his 1995 murder trial. He was a prominent figure in Los Angeles society and is the patriarch of the famous Kardashian family.

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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
• Cause of Death: Esophageal Cancer
• Spouse: Kris Houghton (m. 1978; div. 1991)
• Children: Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Rob Kardashian Jr.
• Education: University of Southern California (B.S.), University of San Diego School of Law (J.D.)
• Profession: Attorney, Businessman, Co-founder of a music publishing company
• Notable Case: Member of the "Dream Team" defense counsel for O. J. Simpson
• Ethnicity: Armenian-American

The Definitive Answer: Robert Kardashian Did Not Smoke

The persistent question of Robert Kardashian Sr.'s smoking habit is directly tied to the circumstances of his death. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 59, just eight weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of esophageal cancer. This specific type of cancer is often, though not exclusively, linked to major risk factors such as heavy smoking and chronic alcohol use.

A Shocking Revelation from Khloé Kardashian

Khloé Kardashian has been the most vocal about her father's lifestyle, repeatedly confirming that he lived a remarkably clean life. She stated unequivocally that her father "doesn't smoke, doesn't drink," making his diagnosis all the more shocking and confusing to the family. This detail is crucial because it eliminates the two most common behavioral risk factors for the disease that ultimately claimed his life.

No Family History of Cancer

Adding to the mystery surrounding his illness, Kris Jenner also confirmed that there was no history of cancer in the Kardashian family prior to Robert's diagnosis. Robert's healthy habits and lack of genetic predisposition forced the family to look for alternative explanations for the sudden onset of such a lethal disease. This lack of typical risk factors is a key reason why the question "Did Robert Kardashian smoke?" remains a popular search query—it's an attempt to rationalize the tragic event.

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The Family’s Theory: Did Stress Kill Robert Kardashian?

Since the traditional risk factors like smoking and drinking were absent, the Kardashian family has often speculated that chronic, intense stress may have been the primary culprit in his premature death. This theory centers heavily on the emotional toll and professional pressure Robert endured during and after the O. J. Simpson murder trial.

The Weight of the O. J. Simpson Trial

Robert Kardashian was a key member of the defense "Dream Team" for his friend O. J. Simpson. The trial was a media firestorm that placed him under immense public scrutiny and professional strain. Khloé Kardashian has openly discussed the belief that the stress of the trial, and the secrets he may have kept, ultimately led to his health decline. She famously suggested that "holding in secrets—stress kills you." Kim Kardashian has also reflected on the emotional burden the trial placed on her father.

Esophageal Cancer and Stress

While stress itself is not a direct cause of esophageal cancer, chronic, severe stress can significantly weaken the immune system and increase inflammation, which may, in turn, accelerate the progression of existing conditions or make the body more susceptible to disease. The family's belief highlights the psychological impact of his legal career on his overall well-being, providing an alternative, non-smoking explanation for his diagnosis.

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Avoiding Confusion: Robert Sr. vs. Rob Jr.'s Habits

A significant source of confusion for many searching this topic is the distinction between the father, Robert Kardashian Sr., and his son, Rob Kardashian Jr. While the patriarch was famously clean-living, his son has had a publicly documented history with different habits, which often leads to conflation in online searches and discussions.

Rob Kardashian Jr.'s Habits

The younger Rob Kardashian, born in 1987, has had a much more tumultuous public life, including documented periods of struggle with weight, mental health, and substance use. Unlike his father, Rob Jr. has been linked to smoking, specifically marijuana and hookah. Khloé Kardashian has even mentioned on the family's reality show that Rob Jr. is known to smoke cannabis and owns a hookah. Reports have also surfaced over the years regarding his use of anti-anxiety medication and other prescription drugs.

Why the Distinction Matters

It is vital for clarity and accuracy to separate the two. Robert Kardashian Sr. maintained a non-smoking, non-drinking lifestyle, a fact that makes his cancer diagnosis a more complex medical case. Rob Kardashian Jr.'s habits are entirely separate and should not be confused with his late father's, whose clean habits make his cause of death a more poignant and discussed topic.

The Legacy of Robert Kardashian's Health Story

Robert Kardashian Sr.'s health story serves as a powerful reminder that cancer can strike anyone, regardless of their adherence to a healthy lifestyle. His death from esophageal cancer without the typical risk factors of smoking or heavy drinking has ensured that his life and his health remain a key point of discussion for fans and health advocates alike. His story emphasizes that factors like genetics, environmental exposure, and even chronic stress may play a larger, more complex role in disease development than previously understood.

Ultimately, the answer to the question "Did Robert Kardashian smoke?" is a resounding no. This fact transforms the narrative around his death from a simple cautionary tale about lifestyle choices into a deeper, more tragic story about a man who, despite his best efforts, succumbed to an aggressive and unexpected illness.