O. J. Simpson's Real Name: Orenthal James Simpson

Quick answer: O. J. Simpson's full name was Orenthal James Simpson. He was born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California, and died on April 10, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. “O. J.” abbreviates Orenthal James; “Juice” was a famous nickname.

Real name and early life

Britannica, Reuters, Pro Football Reference, and LOC identify Orenthal James Simpson, born July 9, 1947, in San Francisco; Reuters reported his death on April 10, 2024, in Las Vegas (Britannica; Reuters; PFR; LOC). He starred at the University of Southern California, winning the 1968 Heisman Trophy, before the Buffalo Bills selected him first overall in 1969.

Career highlights

Simpson became one of the NFL’s most explosive running backs, rushing for 2,003 yards in 1973 for Buffalo and earning Hall of Fame induction. He later played for the San Francisco 49ers, worked as a broadcaster, and acted in films including the Naked Gun comedies—hence the mistaken “actors” category on some lists; his primary fame is as a football player. In 1994–95 he was tried for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman and acquitted in criminal court; a civil jury later found him liable. He died of cancer in 2024 per family statements carried by Reuters. Public billing stayed O. J. Simpson; the documented full name is Orenthal James Simpson.

Major entertainment biographies and library name authorities remain the best check when fan sites disagree on middle names or early credits.

Profiles aimed at general readers sometimes omit middle names; this page restores them from the cited authorities.

Search interest in real-name queries often spikes around new releases, awards seasons, or anniversary coverage of signature roles.

Name notes for searchers

Orenthal is the uncommon given name behind the initials O. J. Death date April 10, 2024, is confirmed via Reuters family announcement coverage—not rumor blogs. Prefer Britannica, Reuters, PFR, and LOC.