Q: Yahoo always has stories about the Kardashians. I also see them on all the tabloids in the checkout line, but I honestly have no idea why these people are so famous. Who are the Kardashians and why are they famous?
—Leann Arnold, Tucker
A: Robert Kardashian was a successful attorney and businessman who befriended O.J. Simpson in the 1970s and was a part of his legal team during Simpson's murder trial in 1995. He was married to Kris from 1978-91, and they had four children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloe and Rob. Robert Kardashian died from cancer in 2003, and later that year, Kim Kardashian's fame was boosted by the release of a sex tape with singer Ray J. Four years later, the network E! signed the family to star in a reality series called "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," which will begin its ninth season next year. Kim, 33, who has been described as a socialite, has become a pop culture phenomenon, branching out into acting in mainstream TV shows and movies, fashion design, modeling and singing. Kourtney, 34, has starred in reality TV shows, owns clothing boutiques and develops and markets skin-care products. Khloe, 29, also stars in reality shows, has written a book called "Kardashian Konfidential," co-hosted a season of "The X Factor USA" and works with her sisters in the fashion and jewelry design. Kris Kardashian, who had been good friends with Simpson's murdered ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, married former Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner in 1991.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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