OJ Simpson, ex-NFL star who was acquitted of murder, dies aged 76
OJ Simpson, an NFL star turned alleged murderer, has died, according to a statement from his family. He was 76.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Simpson’s account contained a simple message from his family.
βOn April 10, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace,β the statement said.
Simpson was found not guilty of the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman in a case that captivated the United States and the world and ushered in a mix of celebrity and crime that is once a staple of the media become. since.
Despite the not guilty verdict, Simpson was found liable in a civil suit brought by the victims’ families three years after Simpson’s criminal trial.
Orenthal James Simpson was born in San Francisco and became one of the most famous and beloved football players of his time. He captured the Heisman Trophy while at USC and went on to play successfully for the San Francisco 49ers and the Buffalo Bills.
But his sporting talents played out alongside a burgeoning acting and media career that made him a major celebrity β among both white and black America.
While still at USC, he appeared on Medical Center and went on to appear in films such as The Klansman, The Cassandra Crossing and The Towering Inferno, as well as the miniseries Roots, β all while still a professional football player. After retiring from his beloved sport, he starred in three Naked Gun comedies.