O.J. Simpson, the former football player and actor accused of murdering his ex-wife, has died at 76.

O.J. Simpson, the former football player and actor accused of murdering his ex-wife, has died at 76.

 Former champion football running back and actor, O.J. Simpson, who famously stood trial and was acquitted of charges in the murder of his ex-wife and her friend, has passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer. His family confirmed his death, stating that he died at his home in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on his official X account, his family wrote, "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He found himself encircled by the laughter and warmth of his children and grandchildren, a scene that filled his heart with joy and gratitude..During this time of transition, the family kindly requests privacy and grace.

Despite his acquittal in the criminal trial regarding the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, Simpson was found liable in a civil suit brought by the victims' families three years later. His life was marked by both his athletic achievements and the legal controversies that surrounded him

Born Orenthal James Simpson in the vibrant city of San Francisco, he achieved acclaim early on, clinching the prestigious Heisman Trophy during his tenure at USC. His prowess on the football field continued to dazzle as he went on to set records with both the San Francisco 49ers and the Buffalo Bills during his illustrious professional career.

O.J. Simpson began his acting career while still attending USC, making appearances on shows like "Medical Center" before launching into his professional football career. Even during his NFL days, he managed to secure roles in notable films such as "The Klansman," "The Cassandra Crossing," and "The Towering Inferno," as well as the groundbreaking miniseries "Roots."

Following his retirement from football, Simpson transitioned fully into acting, starring in the popular "Naked Gun" trilogy and the comedy "Back to the Beach." He even had a promising project in the works with a two-hour pilot for the adventure series "Frogmen" for NBC. However, his arrest abruptly halted the project, marking a significant turning point in both his career and personal life.

On June 12, 1994, the nation was stunned by the discovery of the brutal murders of Nicole Brown Simpson, O.J. Simpson's ex-wife, and her friend Ronald Goldman outside her Brentwood condominium. Simpson, who had a history of domestic violence with Nicole, became a prime suspect in the killings, leading to charges being filed against him. Rather than surrendering to authorities, Simpson sparked a media frenzy by attempting to flee in his white Ford Bronco, leading to a slow-speed pursuit by police. The televised chase on June 17 gripped the nation, drawing an audience of approximately 95 million people. The subsequent trial became a sensational media spectacle, with intense scrutiny on every detail. Despite widespread expectations of guilt, Simpson was controversially found not guilty of the murders.However, in 1997, Simpson was found liable for wrongful death and battery against Goldman, as well as battery against Nicole, in a civil suit pursued by Goldman's family.The court ordered Simpson to pay a staggering $33.5 million in damages, marking a significant chapter in one of the most infamous legal sagas in American history.