Featured Image Credit: Jason Bean-Pool/Getty Images / Scotty Gelt Productions
OJ Simpson was known for many things in his life, but where he first truly became a name that transcended sports was on the big screen.
The former American football player, who was famously found not guilty for the murders of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson, died of cancer on April 10 aged 76.
Simpson’s family shared a statement yesterday (April 11), which said: “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
“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.”
While Simpson very rarely acted following the ‘trial of the century’, he is set to appear on screen one last time.
According to IMDb, his final film appearance will be in Mayday Z, a Zombie movie set on a plane which is currently in post-production.
To make matters even weirder, Simpson’s character’s name is listed as ‘Nordberg’, the same as the police detective Officer Nordberg who he played in the Naked Gun trilogy.
Joining the late Simpson in the cast is American Pie star Tara Reid, Coolio (playing himself), and 80s WWE star The Iron Sheik (also playing himself).
While it is not confirmed, it seems likely that he will play a zombie version of the Naked Gun character.
The Naked Gun series were police-drama parodies, with Simpson starring alongside Leslie Nielsen.
Mayday Z – which is directed by Michael Paré and written by Sholom Gelt – is expected to be released in 2025.
OJ Simpson in Naked Gun. (Paramount)
It will be his first appearance in a scripted film or show since 1994.
Simpson’s trial spanned a total of 11 months, from November 1994 to October 1995. After deliberating for three hours, he was ultimately acquitted. The murders remain unsolved.
Following Simpson’s passing, Ron’s father and sister told MailOnline in a statement: “The news of Ron’s killer passing away is a mixed bag of complicated emotions and reminds us that the journey through grief is not linear.
“For three decades we tirelessly pursued justice for Ron and Nicole, and despite a civil judgment and his confession in [Simpson’s hypothetical memoir] If I Did It, the hope for true accountability has ended.
Simpson died on April 10 aged 76. (Jason Bean-Pool/Getty Images)
“We will continue to advocate for the rights of all victims and survivors, ensuring our voices are heard both within and beyond the courtroom. And despite his death, the mission continues; there’s always more to be done.
“Thank you for keeping our family, and most importantly Ron, in your hearts for the last 30 years.”
While Simpson was never found guilty in criminal court, he was later found guilty in civil court and required to pay $33.5 million in damages to the families of the two victims.
Topics: Celebrity, Film and TV
