OJ Simpson, an NFL star turned suspected murderer, has died, according to a statement by his family. He was 76.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Simpson’s account carried a simple message from his family.
“On April 10th, 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,” the statement said.
Simpson was not found 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 heralded a blending of celebrity and crime that has become a staple of media ever since.
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Despite the not guilty verdict, three years after Simpson’s criminal trial he was found liable in a civil suit brought by the victims’ families.
Orenthal James Simpson was born in in San Francisco and became one of the most famous and well-liked football players of his day. He captured the Heisman Trophy while at USC, then played successfully for the San Francisco 49ers and the Buffalo Bills.
But his sports prowess played out alongside a burgeoning acting and media career that made him a huge celebrity – among both white and Black America.
While still at USC, he appeared on Medical Center and then appeared in films such as The Klansman, The Cassandra Crossing and The Towering Inferno, as well as the miniseries Roots, – all while still a pro football player. After retiring from he beloved sport, he starred in three Naked Gun comedies.