Controversial NFL star and actor OJ Simpson dies, age 76

Former NFL player and actor OJ Simpson has passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer, according to an announcement made by his family.

Renowned for his prowess on the football field as a running back for the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, Simpson’s life took a tumultuous turn when he was embroiled in a highly publicised murder trial in the mid-1990s. Despite being acquitted of the charges, Simpson faced further legal troubles, later serving time for armed robbery.

In a statement released by his children, they conveyed the news of their father’s passing, requesting privacy during this difficult time.

“On April 10, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” the statement read.

“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 Simpson Family.”

Following his retirement from football in 1979, Simpson transitioned into acting, attracting the attention of Hollywood luminaries. His first foray into cinema began with roles in films such as the 1976 thriller The Cassandra Crossing, where he began his transition from sports star to silver screen personality, seizing opportunities that came his way.

Among his notable roles was in the 1989 comedy hit The Naked Gun: From the Files Of Police Squad!, where he starred alongside Leslie Nielsen and Priscilla Presley. He reprised his character in the sequels The Smell Of Fear and The Final Insult.

Additionally, Simpson appeared in various other films such as the 1974 drama The Klansman and the disaster epic The Towering Inferno. He also ventured into television with his own prank show, Juiced With OJ Simpson.

Despite his success in entertainment, Simpson’s personal life was fraught with legal troubles, including the highly publicised murder trial involving his former wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.

Although acquitted of these charges, Simpson faced imprisonment for his involvement in an armed robbery in Las Vegas in 2007, serving a lengthy sentence until his release in 2017. He was finally discharged from parole in December 2021.

Simpson is survived by four children: Arnelle, Jason, Sydney, and Justin.

-with PA.