Kim Kardashian’s rise to global stardom didn’t happen in a vacuum—it was shaped by a family full of ambition, media savvy, and a deep-rooted connection to Southern California’s elite circles. Her parents, Robert Kardashian and Kris Jenner, played pivotal roles in both her upbringing and eventual fame. Whether you’ve seen them in the early seasons of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” or heard their names in passing through pop culture, there’s more to Kim’s parents than just being the mom and dad of one of the most recognizable women in the world. In this post, we’ll dive into their backgrounds, their influence on Kim’s career, and how their lives intertwined with her journey to superstardom.

So, if you're curious about how Kim Kardashian became the powerhouse she is today, you’ve got to start with the parents who raised her. This story goes beyond the glitz and glam of reality TV and explores the real-life people who helped shape her world behind the scenes.

From Robert’s early legal fame to Kris’s strategic maneuvering into the entertainment world, Kim’s family history is rich with twists, tragedies, and triumphs. Let’s break it down piece by piece.

• Ky Frost

Table of Contents

• Biography of Kim Kardashian
• Personal Details & Bio Data
• Robert Kardashian: Kim’s Father
• Kris Jenner: Kim’s Mother
• How Kim’s Parents Influenced Her Career
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian was born on October 21, 1980, in Los Angeles, California. She first gained public attention through her friendship with Paris Hilton, but it was her appearance in a leaked sex tape in 2007 that catapulted her into the spotlight. That moment led to the creation of the reality TV show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" in 2007, which ran for over a decade and made the family a household name. Beyond television, Kim built a business empire including KKW Beauty, Skims, and Sknn by Kim, among other ventures. Today, she's not just a media personality but also a businesswoman, influencer, and even a law school student. But none of it would have been possible without the foundation her parents laid for her.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Robert Kardashian: Kim’s Father

Robert Kardashian Sr. was a prominent attorney and businessman from the San Fernando Valley. He was best known for his role in the O.J. Simpson trial, where he served as a close friend and part of Simpson’s legal team. Though he didn’t act as a legal advisor during the trial, his name became tied to the case forever. Before that, he made his fortune in real estate and marketing, laying the groundwork for the family’s affluent lifestyle.

He married Kris Jenner in 1978, and together they raised four children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob. Robert was described by family members as a devoted father who prioritized his kids. His passing in 2003 after a battle with esophageal cancer left a deep void in Kim’s life, especially as she was still in her twenties when he died.

• Tamala Jones

Robert’s legacy lives on through his children, particularly Kim, who has often spoken about how much he influenced her work ethic and sense of loyalty.

Kris Jenner: Kim’s Mother

Of course, no story about Kim’s parents would be complete without talking about Kris Jenner, the woman often referred to as the “momager” who masterfully steered her children into the public eye. Kris was born in San Diego and started her career as a legal assistant before marrying Robert.

She’s often credited with being the brains behind the Kardashian brand. From the early days of Kim’s sex tape scandal to the launch of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” Kris played a central role in shaping the family’s media presence. She was the one who pitched the reality show idea to Ryan Seacrest and negotiated the family’s contracts.

Even after the show ended, Kris remains a powerful force in her children’s careers, managing their brands, public relations, and business deals. Her influence on Kim’s rise to fame cannot be overstated.

How Kim’s Parents Influenced Her Career

Kim’s parents each contributed in very different, but equally impactful, ways to her career. Robert gave her a sense of groundedness and discipline, while Kris gave her the tools and connections to thrive in the entertainment world.

Robert’s absence in Kim’s life after 2003 meant that much of her business and emotional support came from Kris, who stepped into both parental roles. Their close relationship has been documented on TV and in interviews, showing a mother and daughter duo that, while not always in agreement, deeply support each other’s endeavors.

So, what can we learn from their relationship? A few key takeaways include:

• Family support is crucial—Kim’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the foundation her parents built.
• Business acumen runs in the family—From real estate to branding, the Kardashians have always understood how to monetize their image and talents.
• Media savvy matters—Kris, in particular, showed how to navigate the entertainment industry and turn personal moments into brand opportunities.

Kim has often spoken about how her parents shaped her worldview. She’s mentioned that her mother’s drive and her father’s integrity were two pillars she leans on, even now as a mother herself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Kim Kardashian’s parents?

Kim Kardashian's parents are Robert Kardashian and Kris Jenner. Robert was a lawyer and businessman, best known for his connection to the O.J. Simpson trial. Kris is a media strategist and manager, often credited with building the Kardashian brand.

Did Kim Kardashian have a good relationship with her father?

Yes, Kim had a very close relationship with her father, Robert Kardashian. He passed away in 2003, and Kim has often spoken about how much she misses him. His influence on her life and character remains evident to this day.

How did Kris Jenner help Kim Kardashian become famous?

Kris Jenner played a key role in Kim's rise to fame. She negotiated the deal for “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” managed the family’s public image, and helped Kim launch her various business ventures. Her strategic thinking and media savvy were instrumental in Kim’s career.

Kim’s parents were more than just background figures—they were the architects of the environment that allowed her to flourish. From Robert’s quiet strength to Kris’s relentless ambition, Kim inherited a blend of traits that helped her become a global icon.

So if you ever wondered how Kim Kardashian became the powerhouse she is today, just take a look at the parents who raised her. Their influence, legacy, and love helped build the foundation of one of the most recognizable families in the world.