O.J. Simpson’s life was a rollercoaster of fame, controversy, and legal battles. Once a celebrated athlete and actor, he later became infamous for one of the most publicized trials in history. His journey was marked by personal highs and dramatic lows, and in April 2024, he passed away at the age of 76 after battling prostate cancer. As his family mourns his loss, let’s take a deep dive into the legacy he leaves behind, his relationships, and the family members who stood by him through it all.
The Rise and Fall of O.J. Simpson
Orenthal James Simpson, known to the world as O.J. Simpson, was born on July 9, 1947. He rose to stardom as a football player, breaking records and becoming a household name in the NFL. After retiring from professional football, he pursued a career in acting and broadcasting, enjoying continued fame and financial success.
However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1994 when his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman were found murdered. The subsequent trial captivated the nation, and in 1995, Simpson was acquitted of murder charges. Despite the not guilty verdict, he was later found liable for wrongful death in a civil case.
His legal troubles didn’t end there. In 2008, Simpson was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas, serving nine years in prison before his release in 2017. He was granted early parole in 2021 and spent his final years in relative quiet until his cancer diagnosis was revealed in early 2024.
O.J. Simpson’s Family: Who Were His Loved Ones?
Throughout his life, O.J. Simpson was married twice and had five children. While his relationships were often complicated, his family remained an essential part of his life.
First Wife: Marguerite Whitley
Simpson married his first wife, Marguerite Whitley, in 1967. They were both young—O.J. was 19, and Marguerite was 18—when they tied the knot. During their marriage, the couple welcomed three children: Arnelle, Jason, and Aaren.
Their relationship, however, wasn’t without its struggles. In the 1970s, allegations of domestic violence surfaced, though both Simpson and Whitley denied them. The couple divorced in 1979, and Marguerite later sued Simpson for failing to meet his financial obligations. The lawsuit was settled out of court in 1986. Despite their turbulent history, Whitley maintained that Simpson was innocent during his 1995 trial, even attending some of the hearings with their children.
Marguerite has since stayed out of the public eye, and little is known about her current life.
Second Wife: Nicole Brown Simpson
Simpson met Nicole Brown while still married to Whitley. The two began dating, eventually marrying in 1985. They had two children together: Sydney and Justin.
Their marriage, however, was marred by allegations of domestic violence. Brown Simpson required hospital treatment following a 1989 incident, and police records showed multiple domestic disturbance calls throughout their marriage. In 1992, Nicole filed for divorce.
Tragically, on June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman were murdered outside her home. O.J. Simpson became the prime suspect in what would become one of the most sensationalized trials in history. Though he was acquitted of the murders in 1995, a civil trial later found him liable.
Meet O.J. Simpson’s Five Children
Arnelle Simpson (Born 1968 – Age 57 in 2025)
The eldest of O.J. Simpson’s children, Arnelle was 26 years old when her father stood trial for murder. She testified on his behalf, describing how distraught he was upon learning of Nicole’s death. Over the years, Arnelle has remained one of her father’s biggest supporters. In 2017, she spoke at his parole hearing, advocating for his release after his robbery conviction.
Now in her late 50s, Arnelle has largely stayed out of the spotlight but has occasionally spoken publicly about her father’s case and their family’s struggles.
Jason Simpson (Born 1970 – Age 55 in 2025)
Jason, Simpson’s second child with Marguerite, has kept a relatively low profile. During his father’s murder trial, he was seen breaking down in court when the not guilty verdict was read. In 2016, reports surfaced that Jason had relocated to Atlanta, where he worked as a chef in a restaurant.
Despite conspiracy theories suggesting he may have played a role in Nicole and Goldman’s deaths, Jason has never been charged with any crime and has remained out of the public eye.
Aaren Simpson (1977-1979)
Tragedy struck the Simpson family when Aaren, the youngest child from O.J.’s first marriage, drowned in their family pool just a month before her second birthday. Despite efforts to revive her, she passed away in August 1979.
Sydney Brooke Simpson (Born 1985 – Age 40 in 2025)
Sydney was just 8 years old when her mother, Nicole Brown Simpson, was murdered. In the years that followed, she and her younger brother, Justin, were raised by their maternal grandparents, Juditha and Louis Brown.
Sydney has lived a private life, reportedly earning a degree in sociology from Boston College and residing in Florida. Unlike her father, she has chosen to stay out of the spotlight and has built a quiet life for herself.
Justin Ryan Simpson (Born 1988 – Age 37 in 2025)
The youngest of O.J. Simpson’s children, Justin has also remained largely out of the public eye. However, he has been active on social media, sharing updates about his life. In 2022, he announced that he was expecting a child with his partner, Alycia Browne, and they welcomed a daughter, Lana Nicole, in 2023—a touching tribute to his late mother.
O.J. Simpson’s Net Worth in 2025
At his peak, O.J. Simpson was worth an estimated $10-15 million, largely from his NFL career, acting gigs, and endorsements. However, his legal troubles drained much of his fortune. He was ordered to pay $33.5 million in the civil lawsuit filed by the Goldman family, a debt that remained largely unpaid.
Upon his death in 2024, Simpson’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million. Much of this came from his NFL pension, which was protected from legal judgments. His estate will likely be the subject of legal disputes regarding outstanding debts and financial obligations.
As his children navigate life after their father’s death, one thing is certain: the Simpson name will forever be etched into the fabric of American culture, for better or worse.