Marguerite Whitley: OJ Simpson's First Wife - Life & Legacy
by Brody Okuneva May 03 2025
Who was the woman who shared a significant part of her life with one of the most talked-about figures in American history, yet remains largely unknown to the public? Marguerite Whitley, the first wife of O.J. Simpson, lived a life intertwined with fame, tragedy, and ultimately, a resolute commitment to privacy.
Marguerite Whitley's story is a complex one, interwoven with the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson's public persona. Their paths crossed in their youth in San Francisco, where they both attended Galileo High School. Interestingly, before the romance with Simpson blossomed, she was initially involved with Simpsons friend, A.C. Cowlings. However, fate, or perhaps Simpson's charm, intervened, and the two embarked on a relationship that would span over a decade and produce three children. Their marriage, which began in February 1967, was not without its challenges, but it would be a relationship that would be forever marked by the scrutiny of the public eye, the shadow of the law, and the immense weight of personal tragedy.
Whitley's life, however, extends far beyond her association with Simpson. She is an American businesswoman who built a life for herself, her children, and eventually, found happiness again with Rudolph Lewis, a transit supervisor she later married. Her resilience and her deliberate choice to remain out of the spotlight, particularly after the tumultuous events surrounding Simpson, speak volumes about her character. While Simpsons actions and the subsequent media frenzy captivated the world, Whitley chose a different path, one of quiet dignity and a life lived on her own terms. Even during Simpson's high-profile murder trial in 1995, she stood by him, showing loyalty, but then retreated into the silence she valued.
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Their marriage endured for twelve years, witnessing Simpson's rise to fame and the beginning of his personal troubles. During this time, they welcomed three children into the world: Arnelle, Jason, and Aaren. Sadly, their youngest daughter, Aaren, tragically died by accidental drowning just before her second birthday in 1979. This heartbreaking event undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the couple, and it coincided with the end of their marriage, which was finalized that same year.
As Simpson's life became increasingly defined by controversy, Whitley quietly moved on, rebuilding her life away from the glare of public scrutiny. Her formative years were spent across different parts of California, and she was born on March 20, 1949, in Los Angeles. Her story is a testament to her strength and her ability to navigate the complexities of life, both in the spotlight and away from it. Her narrative is not just of a marriage, but of a woman who defined herself, despite the shadow cast by a man whose fame and infamy would forever be intertwined.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Marguerite L. Whitley |
Date of Birth | March 20, 1949 |
Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Nationality | American |
Education | Galileo High School |
Known For | First wife of O.J. Simpson, American businesswoman |
Marriages | O.J. Simpson (1967-1979), Rudolph Lewis (Later) |
Children | Arnelle Simpson, Jason Simpson, Aaren Simpson (deceased) |
Religious Beliefs | Christianity |
Career | Businesswoman, Former Retail Store Employee |
Residence | Fresno, California |
Relationship with O.J. Simpson | Married in February 1967, divorced in 1979 |
Known Association | O.J. Simpson, A.C. Cowlings |
Notoriety | Association with O.J. Simpson's life, including the murder trial, and her subsequent privacy. |
Social Media Presence | Not on Social Media |
For more information, you can find reliable details on biographical websites and news sources. One such source is People.com.
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Whitley and Simpson's relationship began in high school, a story that's almost as common as it is extraordinary, considering the eventual public drama. They were wed in 1967, and the union produced three children: Arnelle, Jason, and Aaren. The family navigated the early years of Simpsons professional football career. She was present during many of the significant moments in his life, including his 1977 movie premiere.
However, the marriage faced its share of challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of their youngest daughter, Aaren, who died tragically. This, along with O.J.'s affair with Nicole Brown Simpson, ultimately led to their divorce in 1979. Two years after Simpson began dating Nicole Brown, which marked a significant turning point in both their lives.
After their divorce, Whitley chose a life of privacy, staying out of the public eye. She later remarried Rudolph Lewis, and continued her life in relative obscurity. Although she was present during the 1995 murder trial of O.J., she remained out of the limelight after that. This decision reflects her preference for a private life, far from the public gaze that followed Simpson's every move. While she supported Simpson during his trial, she has since maintained her silence, a testament to her commitment to her privacy and personal boundaries.
Marguerite Whitley's story is not just about her relationship with O.J. Simpson; it's about a woman who sought to build a life independent of the public drama. Her decision to live a private life, away from the media, provides a compelling contrast to the highly publicized life of her former husband.
The story of Marguerite Whitley is a reminder that behind every public figure, there are personal stories of those who are close to them. The decisions they make and the lives they lead are often as complex and intriguing as the public narratives that surround the people they know. Her story is a testament to the complexities of life and the power of choice.


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