Twenty years have passed since O.J. Simpson was acquitted in the high-profile murder case of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The case, often referred to as the "Trial of the Century," captured the attention of millions and raised questions about race, celebrity, and the justice system in America. Thanks to the recent FX miniseries, The People vs. O.J. Simpson, new interest has emerged in the lives of those involved in this landmark trial.
As we look back at this pivotal moment in American history, it's fascinating to check in on the key players who shaped the narrative and how their lives have evolved since the trial. From Simpson himself to his legal team and the prosecutors, each individual experienced their own unique journey following the trial's conclusion.
In this article, we will delve into the lives of the central figures from the O.J. Simpson trial, exploring their personal and professional trajectories since that historic time. What have they been doing in the years since, and how have their experiences impacted their lives?
Table of Contents
- O.J. Simpson
- Johnnie Cochran
- Marcia Clark
- Robert Kardashian
- Judge Lance Ito
- Christopher Darden
- Robert Shapiro
- Paula Barbieri
- Mark Fuhrman
- Al Cowlings
O.J. Simpson
In 1997, following a civil trial that lasted nearly three months, O.J. Simpson was ordered to pay $33.5 million to the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Unfortunately, Simpson struggled to pay this amount, leading to the auction of personal items, including his Heisman trophy. His legal troubles didn't end there; he faced multiple arrests, culminating in a 33-year prison sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping related to an incident in Las Vegas.
After serving nine years in prison, Simpson was granted parole in July 2017. He assured the parole board that he would comply with all conditions of his release, declaring, "I'm not a guy who lived a criminal life." His life since the trial has been marked by ups and downs, making him a complex figure in American pop culture.
Johnnie Cochran
After Simpson's acquittal, Johnnie Cochran continued his legal career, representing various clients, including Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs and a Haitian immigrant victimized by police brutality. He also became a well-known media personality, hosting his own Court TV show, Johnnie Cochran Tonight, and was parodied in popular culture, most notably on Seinfeld.
Cochran published two books, Journey to Justice and A Lawyer's Life, both of which explored his career and experiences in law. Sadly, Cochran passed away at the age of 67 in 2005 after battling a brain tumor.
Marcia Clark
After the trial concluded, Marcia Clark stepped away from her role as a prosecutor, taking a decade-long hiatus from practicing law. She expressed a desire to escape the intense scrutiny and pressure that came with the trial. Later, she returned to the legal world, focusing on court-appointed criminal appeals.
Clark's personal life took a different direction as well. She authored the memoir Without a Doubt, which earned her a reported advance of $4.2 million. Additionally, she transitioned into television, becoming a successful screenwriter and novelist.
Robert Kardashian
Robert Kardashian, a close friend of Simpson, faced challenges after the trial due to his involvement in the case. Their friendship reportedly suffered due to Kardashian's participation in the book and miniseries American Tragedy. After the trial, he shifted his focus to business, becoming the CEO of Movie Tunes, a company dedicated to playing music before movies.
Sadly, Kardashian was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2003 and passed away just eight weeks after his diagnosis. During that time, he married his third wife, Ellen Pierson.
Judge Lance Ito
Judge Lance Ito presided over the Simpson trial, overseeing a case that would become a defining moment in his career. After the trial, he continued to serve as a judge, handling around 500 trials but largely kept a low profile. By 2012, he was still living in the same neighborhood and driving the same car he used during the trial.
Retiring in 2014, Judge Ito has reportedly enjoyed a fulfilling retirement, traveling with his wife and even expressing interest in learning to play the guitar.
Christopher Darden
Christopher Darden, who served as a prosecutor alongside Marcia Clark, also left the District Attorney's office after the trial. He transitioned
