The Kardashian name has become something of an institution, a famous family like the Kennedy family or the royal family of Great Britain. They have allowed the cameras to explore every part of their lives, with the show Keeping Up With The Kardashians going strong after ten years. We've seen the family live in opulent mansions and Rob's battle with drug addiction; we've witnessed Kim and Kanye's wedding and Khloe's divorce; and, we've watched Kourtney's transformation through plastic surgery and Bruce Jenner's transition to Caitlyn. People think they know everything there is about them, but we have compiled for you, what the Kardashians don't want you to know - from their connections to murderers to their troubled childhoods!

How The Kardashians Became Connected With O.J. Simpson

In the '70s, Robert Kardashian met an NFL running back with aspirations to become an actor and the two became friends. Their friendship would last for decades and would come to play a major role in shaping the future of the Kardashian family. That man was O. J. Simpson, a name that would divide and fascinate the people in 1994, when his friend, being an attorney, would come into play. He would also become connected with the Kardashian name, something that the famous family would prefer was forgotten.

"Uncle" O.J.'s Arrest For The Murder Of His Wife Brought Them Fame

O.J. Simpon's arrest for the murder of his wife, Nicole Brown Smith, shocked America. Robert came out of retirement (he had let his lawyer's license expire) to support his old friend as a volunteer defense attorney. That also meant that, conveniently, Robert wouldn't have to testify against O.J., who had sought refuge in the Kardashian mansion after the murder. The trial got much publicity and it was the first taste of fame for the family, who still had no idea how popular they would become.

The Kardashians Were Already Rich Before They Were Famous

The Kardashians did not become rich with fame. Their net worth certainly increased as they became more and more famous, but it was actually the patriarch, Robert Kardashian, who made sure Kim and the others grew up with designer shoes and fine jewelry. Ten years working as an attorney gave him the money to make an investment or two, so by the '70s, he was more a businessman than he was a lawyer, and he and his family lived in luxury. It would get even better when he received his inheritance from his parents' meat packing business.

The Kardashians' Childhood Was Filled With Luxury

The Kardashians' affluence was mirrored in every aspect of their life. They had a mansion in Beverly Hills, in a very exclusive neighborhood, with a swimming pool, an adjoining Jacuzzi, a poolside bar, and a tennis court. Servants took care of the daily chores, so the only shopping Kris had to do was for clothes, handbags, shoes, and jewelry. Their parties were renowned for their glamour and extravagance and the kids all went to private schools. But that doesn't mean that everything was fine in the Kardashian household, as would later be revealed.

The Two Oldest Sisters Were Like Twins

Kourtney was the oldest of the Kardashian sisters, born two years before Kim. Despite this difference, the two sisters were inseparable as children, wore similar clothes, and looked so alike that people often mistook them for twins. In fact, they were so close that although their house had multiple bedrooms, the girls shared one as they grew up, out of choice and not of necessity. With adulthood, they grew more distant as each sought to establish her own identity, though the similarity is still there, in spite of the odd plastic surgery or two.

The Family Wealth Goes Back For Generations

Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, and Rob were not the first generation to be born in affluence, though. As we mentioned earlier, Robert's parents owned a meat packing business in California. By the time Robert was born, they were one of the largest players in the meatpacking industry in southern California and he was given every privilege money could buy. He grew up in an upper-middle-class neighborhood, got a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Southern California, and then a degree in law from the School of Law in the San Diego University. Instead of joining the family company, Robert set out on his own, to prove he could make it on his own.

Robert & Co. Were Very Religious

In spite of the money and lifestyle, Robert did not forget his roots and traditions. The children were taught the history of the Armenian people and religion was a strong influence in their lives. It is perhaps hard to imagine today, but Kim, Khloe, and the others would say grace before meals, go to church, listen to bedtime stories from the Bible, and attend church. Robert and Kris would go to weekly Bible studies, though considering the people attending, it was more like celebrity Bible meetings. They were held at the house of Pat Boone, the famous singer, actor, and motivational speaker, and one could find stars like Doris Day and Priscilla Presley in attendance, too.

Kris Moved Into A New Marriage Within A Month From Her Divorce

After her divorce from Robert, Kris wasted no time in moving on. In fact, there were rumors that her relationship with Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner had begun before her divorce, and her ex-husband directly accused her of “showing off” her affair. Without a prenup, the divorce attorneys from the two sides fought over child custody, spousal support, and separation of the couple's assets. Kris held a quiet wedding one month after her legal separation was finalized and moved in with Bruce, along with her four children. Robert, on the other hand, took seven years before he married again.

Kris & Bruce Managed To Build A New Family

Like many children after a divorce, the Kardashian kids would spend time both with their father and their new family. The birth of their two half-sisters, Kylie and Kendall, brought them closer to their step-father and seeing his kind heart and love for their mother made them accept him into their hearts. He would never replace their father, but the Kardashian-Jenner family had become a real thing. It would break apart in 2013 after Bruce's transition to Caitlyn led Kris to file for a divorce only this time, it was she who paid up - with Bruce receiving a payment of $2.5 million dollars as part of the divorce settlement.

Kim Got A BMW As A Gift But Had To Work For It

Robert was not a miser and he spent money to keep his family happy. Kim went to a private school and the wealthy teen lacked for nothing. When she turned 16, her father's gift was a BMW 318 Saloon, shiny, and white. While definitely a gift that would spoil a child, Robert gave it with one condition. If Kim was involved in any sort of car accident that required repairs to the car, she would be responsible for paying and he even had her sign a contract – don't forget, he was a lawyer! When, inevitably, Kim got in a fender-bender, the money to repair the car came from her bank account and she had to work at a clothes store to earn it.

Khloe Used To Be The Black Sheep Of The Family

According to the stories, Kourtney and Kim were very good girls, obedient, and sweet. Khloe, on the other hand, used to be the black sheep of the family, relatively speaking. She would sneak out of the house during the night to go partying, or she would “borrow” the family car, without her parents knowing. She was a troublemaker and she was more or less constantly grounded for it. Considering she was always considered “the chubby one,” her acting out could have been a cry for attention in a family obsessed with beauty, plastic surgery, and weight loss.

Kim Was Friends With Paris Hilton Until Her Fame Outgrew Her

As the Kardashians lived in a wealthy neighborhood and went to expensive private schools, they rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous. One of Kim's childhood friends was a young socialite with a famous name and an heir to a vast inheritance. Paris Hilton was Kim's best friend growing up and the two were inseparable. Paris helped her out by telling all her famous friends about the young girl who wanted to be a stylist for celebrities. Still, Paris' treatment of Kim wasn't always the best, as she felt she always had to be the center of attention and often tried to put the Kardashian girl “in her place.” As Kim's fame outgrew her, Paris developed feelings of envy, and their friendship ended.

Robert’s Death Shook The Family To Their Core

Despite the divorce, Kris and Robert had remained on friendly terms and the children were very close to their father. The news that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July of 2003 sent shockwaves through the family, who was unsure how to react. Shades of gray entered their privileged lives for the first time and their affluence counted for nothing. Despite being able to afford the best doctors and the most expensive treatments, Robert died almost two months after his diagnosis. He died with a net worth of about $30 million, which would be divided among his four children and his wife at the time, Ellen Pierson.

Kourtney Has The Most Formal Education Among Her Sisters

After she finished high school, Kourtney thought long and hard about her future. Initially, the plan was for her to follow in her father's footsteps and become a lawyer. She never went beyond the part of sending applications to law schools. Instead, she first went to the Southern Methodist University for two years, before heading to Arizona and the University of Arizona, from where she got her bachelor's degree in Theater Arts. One problem she did face during her studies was her fear of public speaking. She was so terrified, that she failed two of her courses in college because of it. Who could have thought that the shy student of the theater would become a star in a reality TV show?

Kim Has Been An Entrepreneur Since She Was A Teenager

Kim, unlike her father and older sister, declined going for a higher education. Instead of college and a degree, she went right into business. She was already running a successful online clothes store on eBay and she had an eye for fashion and style. A close friend of Paris Hilton, she used her contacts with the rich and famous to advance her career as a stylist for celebrities. Kim even appeared with Paris and Nicole Richie on The Simple Life as Hilton's stylist. While working for singer Brandy Norwood, she met her brother, singer Ray J, and that would end up changing her life forever.

A Leaked Private Video Brought Kim Into The Spotlight

It was in 2007 when the whole world learned about the name “Kim Kardashian” but perhaps not in the way her father would have wanted. Kim and her then-boyfriend Ray J had made a video of their private moments in 2003 and four years later, it was somehow leaked to the public by an adult production company. Kim's attorney filed a lawsuit trying to block the release of the video but after a settlement was reached for $5 million, she dropped it. The tape was released as Kim K Superstar and Kim rode a wave of fame that would eventually land her own TV show.

Was Kim's Embarrassing Video Just A Clever Publicity Stunt?

With the apparent thirst the Kardashians have for fame and the millions of dollars that it has brought them, nasty rumors started circulating, regarding some shadowy details about Kim's leaked tape. Considering that the details of who leaked the video and how were never verified, a lot of speculation tried to fill the gap. Some claimed it was Kim's manager i.e. Kris Jenner, her mother,  who leaked it to create buzz around her daughter's name and put her on the celebrity map, as well as for a good chunk of money from the production company, Vivid Entertainment. There is also the fact that it happened at the right time to increase awareness and interest in their upcoming reality TV show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians...

Kim Has A History Of Seeking The Media's Attention

Being accused of intentionally leaking her personal video was not the first instance of rumors that Kim tried to generate buzz around her name. Certain gossip columnists and celebrity bloggers have claimed in the past that Kim sought media attention with a passion. For example, while dating Nick Lachey, member of the boy band 98 Degrees, it was said she would tell the paparazzi she knew where to find them so that her picture with him could be published. Lacking a college degree or any other form of training while at the same time, dying to be famous had made her realize that celebrities are either talked about or they're not celebrities.

Kylie & Kendall Had An Upbringing Unlike Other Kids

While Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe had to become famous through their own actions, Kylie and Kendall were on TV since they were very young and grew up with fame as well as affluence. By 14, the two girls, former cheerleaders at their school, switched to homeschooling, as Kendall's budding careers as a model and their celebrity status necessitated that change. Like their older sisters before them, they lived a life beyond most people's dreams. Kylie for instance, who was a fan of rapper Tyga, had him perform at her 16th birthday party and would later end up as his girlfriend, receiving a Ferrari as a gift from him. Not exactly an average life experience.

Kendall's Total Lack Of Self-Esteem Required A Doctor To Fix

Most people would think that a girl that ended up as a model would have always been pretty and confident. If a model isn't sure of herself, who is? The truth of the matter is that Kendall Jenner faced difficulties in school like any teenager. She had a huge problem with acne that would not go away, despite using all sorts of skincare items, creams, and cleansers. That caused her self-esteem to plummet and she became reserved, avoiding even eye-contact with people. In the end, she sought medical assistance by a dermatologist, Dr. Christie Kidd, who helped her overcome her acne and regain her confidence.

As A Teenager, Kim Had A Birthday Party At The Neverland Ranch

Fame and money have many “hidden” perks, like for example the favors you can ask of the people you know. When Kim Kardashian was a teen, she dated one of Michael Jackson's nephews. So, for her 14th birthday party, she and her friends went to celebrate in Neverland, the famous property where Michael lived. With various animals running around, toys, carousels, and entertainment, it was an unforgettable way to celebrate one's birthday and a memory that Kim still remembers. The King of Pop did not make an appearance though, but it must have been awesome even without him.

Kris Had The Idea For A Reality Show About The Family

Before Keeping Up With The Kardashians became a TV sensation, Kim and her family were minor celebrities, known for her appearances with Paris Hilton and their family's involvement in the O. J. Simpson arrest and trial. But the success of The Osbournes convinced Kris that her crazy family life could become an interesting show. She pitched the idea to Ryan Seacrest, a producer, who sent a camera crew to film the Kardashian/Jenner family during a barbeque and loved the ensuing chaos. The combination of affluence and a life full of shopping, luxury, and fun, along with everyday family drama proved a major hit.

Keeping Up With the Kardashians Has Affected The Lives Of The Entire Family

Keeping Up With The Kardashians has been one of the biggest success stories both for the E! network and the Kardashians themselves. One of the most watched shows on TV, it also doubles as a platform for the Kardashian “brand.” Fame has allowed the sisters to launch careers in business and fashion, with many of them working as fashion models, running makeup, skin care, and cosmetics companies, and selling their own lines of shoes, clothes, and accessories. With 14 seasons, it is also one of the most watched and long-running reality shows, bringing millions in revenue to the network. The funny thing is, it was so rushed, it didn't even have a name until a couple of days before airing.

The Family Has Had Both Success & Failure In Their Business Ventures

Kourtney and Kris had not been idle before Keeping Up With The Kardashians came and changed their lives. They had opened up a shop with children's clothes and accessories, fulfilling a dream of theirs. The show's increased popularity and time demands put the shop on the back burner until they finally scrapped the idea altogether and shut it down. But Kourtney did not get out of the fashion retail business. Along with Kim and Khloe, they used their newfound fame to open up a store called Dash, selling trendy and stylish women's clothes. After opening a number of stores nationwide, they made the move to online shopping.

Robert Kardashian Always Stood By His Friend O.J.'s Side

Robert and O.J. Simpson had more than a professional acquaintance or a passing familiarity. The two of them were quite close and so were Kris and Nicole Brown Simpson. Robert's decision to serve as O.J.'s attorney was out of true loyalty to his friend, of whose innocence he was convinced. Robert also visited him in jail and supported him throughout the proceedings. Kris, on her part, to honor her deceased friend, named her daughter Kendall Nicole Jenner. The stories go that to the girls, Simpson and his wife were “Uncle O.J.” and “Aunt Nicole.”

They Have Become A Very Rich Family

No matter whether people like the Kardashians or not, they can't deny their business acumen. The family has turned their name into a global brand, selling under it anything from makeup and clothes to books and video games. They're also making money from their endorsement deals, using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as advertising platforms to influence their millions of followers. Then, let's not forget the proceeds from Keeping Up With The Kardashians and its many spin-offs. The family has a combined net worth around $450 million, something which has allowed even Kylie, the youngest, to own a real estate in Malibu and Hidden Hills.

Their Reality Show Changed The Face Of Reality TV & The Fashion Industry

Back in 2007, when Keeping Up With The Kardashians first aired, it was impossible to know what a huge effect it would have on the entertainment industry, as well as in fashion and celebrity culture. Despite there being many shows that could be considered similar, the lively Kardashians and their crazy life caught the eyes and hearts of viewers around the world. Although they would squabble and fight among them, the people could see that they also care for one another sincerely and are a real family, not just a construct for the cameras. The fame that the show generated also gave birth to the concept of the Instagram model and created a tightly-knit clan of millionaires who still dominate reality TV.