Before Kim Kardashian had a $1.7 billion net worth, she and her siblings Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, and Rob Kardashian were already your typical Los Angeles rich kids. Thanks to their father, lawyer and businessman Robert Kardashian, they lived a privileged life even before starring in Keeping Up with the Kardashians in 2007.
Though they're now successful in their own right, it's hard not to credit their father who left them a substantial amount of money in his will. Here's everything you need to know about the late patriarch's wealth.
Updated November 2024: This article has been updated to reflect the amount of money Robert Kardashian left his children.
What Did Robert Kardashian Get Famous For?
Robert Kardashian was a successful attorney who rose to fame as part of the defense team for the OJ Simpson murder trial
The Kardashian name first rose to fame during O.J. Simpson's 1995 trial over the tragic murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ronald Goldman which was later turned into a documentary. The senior Kardashian reactivated his license to practice law and joined Simpson's "dream team" of lawyers which included Robert Shapiro and Johnnie Cochran in an attempt to make Simpson's image look different than it appeared to the public, so that he would be found not guilty.
The attorney and his ex-wife Kris Jenner were friends with the Simpsons. Robert had known the former NFL player since 1967 while attending the University of Southern California. The late lawyer served as the athlete's waterboy.
During the highly publicized trial, Robert was accused of helping Simpson get away with murder. He was famously filmed carrying Simpson's garment bag which many believed contained bloody clothes or a murder weapon.
Robert's involvement in his friend's legal team also exempted him from being subpoenaed to testify against him. In 1996, following Simpson's acquittal, Robert confessed to Barbara Walters that he had doubts about his longtime friend's innocence.
"Blood evidence is the biggest thorn in my side."
People close to Robert revealed that up until his last days, he remained conflicted about the case. "He never spoke about [the O.J. Simpson trial]," said Khloe of her father's death during an episode of Kocktails with Khloe in 2016.
"My dad died of throat cancer which does not run in my family. My dad doesn’t smoke, doesn’t drink. I think holding in secrets [and] stress kills you! I feel like you manifest things, you have to think — I'm into symbolic situations."
Robert was only 59 years old when he passed away.
What Was Robert Kardashian's Net Worth When He Died?
Robert Kardashian's net worth was $30 million at the time of his death
Robert was worth $30 million at the time of his death. After an uneventful law career, he forayed into multiple entrepreneurial ventures.
In 1973, he co-founded the trade publication, Radio & Records. Six years later, he sold it for a large profit. One of his biggest career achievements was coming up with the idea of playing filler music in movie theaters. The concept gave birth to a successful company called Movie Tunes.
Robert also teamed up with Simpson for a frozen yogurt business called Juice, Inc. Their partnership further solidified their friendship and led to more joint projects. They even started a music video production company called Concert Cinema.
Due to their close bond, Simpson served as Robert's best man at his wedding. Robert was married to Kris Jenner from 1978 to 1991. The famous momager later revealed in an autobiography that she had been cheating on Robert with former professional soccer player Todd Waterman. She attended Simpson's trial with her then-husband Caitlyn Jenner, whom today, she has long moved on from.
How Much Money Did Robert Kardashian Leave His Children?
Robert Kardashian was rumored to have a $100 million trust for his kids
Robert is rumored to have left his children a whopping $100 million estate in trust. Not much is known about the exact details of his will, making it hard to verify the said amount. But according to TV presenter and longtime friend of the Kardashian matriarch, Kathie Lee Gifford, the family experienced financial struggles prior to doing KUWTK.
"Kris was having financial problems. I loaned Kris money years ago because they needed it. They were really struggling."
Kathy Lee was the one who suggested that the family do a reality show.
This is when reality television was just getting a hold," Kathy Lee said. "I told Kris, 'You guys of all people in the world should have a reality series. You should. It's made for your beautiful children. You and [then-husband Caitlyn Jenner] at this point now are so interesting.' Their dynamic was so interesting."
It was a brilliant idea. The reality show was a huge success and ran for 20 seasons. The Kardashian family has since continued their show on the streaming service Hulu, rebranding the title to The Kardashians.
Kylie Jenner alone was once named the "the youngest self-made billionaire ever," though her net worth has since decreased to below that benchmark. With her 10% momager commission, Kris Jenner has also amassed a total net worth of $170 million.
As a result of doing so well, Gifford joked that she wanted "that money back." However, more likely than not, that has already happened and then some.
-
- Birthname
- Kimberly Noel Kardashian
- Birthdate
- October 21, 1980
- Birthplace
- Los Angeles, California, USA
- Family
- Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner
- Height
- 5'2
- @KimKardashian
-
- Birthname
- Kourtney Mary Kardashian
- Birthdate
- April 18, 1979
- Birthplace
- Los Angeles, California, USA
- Family
- Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner
- Height
- 5'1
- @kourtneykardash
-
- Birthname
- Robert Arthur Kardashian
- Birthdate
- March 7, 1987
- Birthplace
- Los Angeles, CA
- Members
- Dream Kardashian (daughter with Blac Chyna)
- Family
- Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kylie Jenner
- Height
- 6'0"
-
- Birthname
- Khloé Alexandra Kardashian
- Birthdate
- June 27, 1984
- Birthplace
- Los Angeles, California, USA
- Family
- Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Caitlyn Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Kylie Jenner
- Height
- 5'9
- @khloekardashian
