"Our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," his family wrote in a joint statement on O.J.'s social media account April 11. "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."
Despite playing professional football for more than a decade, most notably with the Buffalo Bills, before turning to acting, O.J.'s career is largely overshadowed by his murder trial. After Nicole and her friend Ronald were found stabbed to death outside Nicole's Brentwood, Calif., condo in June 1994, O.J. became a prime suspect, and was later arraigned in July 1994.
The murder trial began in January 1995 and ran for eight months, called over 150 witnesses and dominated coverage of cable television at the time. Ultimately, On Oct. 3, 1995, the former running back was found not guilty. However, in 1997, Ronald and Brown's families filed a civil suit against O.J., and he was found liable for the deaths and ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages.
The series, which starred Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J., chronicled the events from the morning of Nicole and Ron's murders all the way through the trial to the verdict. It also included headline-making instances like the infamous Bronco chase as well as the media scrutiny of lead prosecutor Marcia Clark(Sarah Paulson) and O.J.'s friendship with lawyer Robert Kardashian (David Schwimmer.)
Read on to see what the series got right and wrong about O.J.'s infamous trial.
Nicole Brown Simpson's dog led a neighbor to the bodies
There's a massive O.J. statue in O.J.'s yard
Sydney Simpson leaves a message for Nicole
O.J. Fails a Lie Detector Test
Chris Darden considered Johnny Cochran a mentor
A woman saw O.J. in the Bronco the night of the murders, near the scene
O.J. Kisses Nicole in Her Coffin at Her Funeral
O.J. threatens to kill himself in Kim Kardashian's childhood bedroom
Robert Kardashian told O.J.'s family he was probably dead
The Kardashian kids cheer the sound of their own name when they see Dad on TV
O.J. Was Suicidal
Marcia Clark smoked constantly—inside
O.J. made calls as he unraveled in the Bronco
Robert Kardashian Talks to His Kids About the Fickle Nature of Fame
Time Darkened O.J.'s Mug Shot on Its June 27, 1994, Cover
Robert Shapiro Tells All to The New Yorker
Nicole's Haunting 911 Call
Robert Shapiro Asks Johnnie Cochran to Join the Team
O.J. & Robert Kardashian Were a Couple of Party Boys
"Absolutely 100 Percent Not Guilty"
Fred Goldman Tearfully Pleads With Marcia Clark
Johnnie Cochran Holds a Press Conference Mid-Shoe Shine
Robert Shapiro Encourages O.J. to Plead to Manslaughter
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Here are some of the key moments in the life of the NFL star-turned-actor acquitted of murdering his wife and her friend in the so-called trial of the century.
Some major deals on board: A super-handy collapsible garden cart for over $200 off, a cordless Shark pro stick vacuum for over 50% off, and a 65-inch Philips 4K smart TV for under $400.