When people hear the name “Kardashian,” they often think of reality TV, fashion, and fame. But long before Kim, Khloé, or Kourtney became household names, there was Arthur Kardashian — the quiet, hard-working man who started it all.
Arthur wasn’t a celebrity, He didn’t care about cameras or headlines. But without him, there would be no Kardashian empire. He built the original family wealth, passed down strong values, and helped shape the lives of his children and grandchildren.
Arthur Kardashian Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arthur Thomas Kardashian |
| Birth | October 27, 1917 – Los Angeles, California |
| Death | December 9, 2012 (age 95) – Mission Hills, CA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Armenian |
| Parents | Tatos “Tom” Kardashian & Hamas “Hanna” Shakarian |
| Religion | Molokan (Spiritual Christian, “Jumpers”) |
| Height (est.) | ~5’10” (178 cm) |
| Spouse | Helen Jean Arakelian (married 70 years) |
| Children | Robert Kardashian Sr., Barbara Kardashian Freeman, Thomas “Tommy” Kardashian |
| Occupation | Businessman; owner of Great Western Packing Co. |
| Net Worth | Multi-millionaire at peak from meat-packing empire |
| Residence | View Park–Windsor Hills, Los Angeles |
| Known For | Founding family wealth, preserving Armenian culture, patriarch of Kardashian dynasty |
Early Life, Armenian Roots, and the Molokan “Jumpers” Heritage
Arthur Thomas Kardashian was born on October 27, 1917, in Los Angeles, California. But his story started long before that — with his parents, Tatos “Tom” Kardashian and Hamas “Hanna” Shakarian. They were Armenian immigrants who escaped the Kars region, now part of modern-day Turkey.
Their escape wasn’t just a lucky guess. It was guided by a young religious boy named Efim Klubniken, a “prophet” in their community. He warned that a terrible tragedy was coming. That tragedy was the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and the Kardashian family left just in time.
Arthur’s parents were part of a religious group called the Molokans, also known as “Jumpers”. They were Spiritual Christians who believed in a simple and peaceful life. The name “Jumpers” came from their lively worship style, and “Molokan” meant “milk drinker,” because they didn’t follow strict fasting like other churches.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Arthur was surrounded by Armenian culture and Molokan faith. His family name was originally spelled Kardaschoff, but like many immigrants, they Americanized it. “Tatos” became “Tom,” and the family name was shortened to Kardashian — which comes from the Armenian word for “stone carver.”
Building the Kardashian Wealth: Rise of Great Western Packing Company
Arthur didn’t go to college. Instead, he jumped right into work and focused on the family trade — the meat business. That’s where he made his mark. He founded and ran Great Western Packing Company, which became one of the biggest meat-packing firms in Southern California.
He didn’t just do well — he built a fortune. His company grew fast and became a major player in the food industry. He worked hard, stayed focused, and made smart choices. Thanks to Arthur’s success, his family moved into View Park–Windsor Hills, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Los Angeles at the time.
This early wealth gave his son, Robert Kardashian Sr., the chance to attend the University of Southern California and later law school. That opportunity led Robert to become a famous lawyer — and eventually part of the O.J. Simpson trial, one of the biggest legal cases in U.S. history.
The 1970s Federal Meat-Packing Investigation:
Even successful people face tough times, and Arthur wasn’t an exception. In the 1970s, the meat industry came under fire. The U.S. government began a large investigation into corruption and bribery among meat-packing companies. The goal was to find out if businesses were paying off inspectors to get better meat grades.
Great Western Packing Company was named as one of the companies being looked into. Prosecutors claimed that some firms — possibly including Arthur’s — were giving bribes to agriculture inspectors.
There’s no public proof that Arthur himself was guilty or charged. But the investigation brought pressure and attention.
Arthur Personal Life, Marriage, and Cultural Legacy
Arthur wasn’t flashy or loud. He lived a private, steady life. In 1938, he married Helen Jean Arakelian, a fellow Armenian-American. They stayed married for an amazing 70 years, showing just how strong their bond was.
The couple raised their family in View Park, a neighborhood often called the “Black Beverly Hills” because of its history of success and diversity. Arthur was known for his calm nature, thick-rimmed glasses, and his clean-shaven or lightly mustached look. Many people say he looked a lot like his son Robert Sr., and even his grandson Rob Kardashian.
At home, Arthur and Helen kept Armenian traditions alive. They cooked Armenian meals, celebrated family events, and taught their children about their faith and roots. Arthur’s deep connection to his Molokan religion shaped his view of life — humble, disciplined, and spiritual.
Children of Arthur Kardashian
Arthur and Helen had three children, and each one carried part of his story into the future. While some lived quiet lives, one would go on to change the family name forever.
Robert Kardashian Sr.
Robert Kardashian Sr. was born in 1944 and grew up surrounded by Armenian values, thanks to Arthur. He was smart, driven, and always proud of his roots. Arthur’s success gave Robert a chance to go to USC and later law school, opening doors that few Armenian-Americans had at the time.
Robert became known around the world as the lawyer who defended O.J. Simpson during the 1995 murder trial. He was part of the famous “Dream Team,” and his face was on every news channel in the country.
But Robert was also a sharp businessman. He co-founded Radio & Records, a music industry publication, and started Movie Tunes, which played music in theaters before movies. He wasn’t just a lawyer — he was a builder, just like his father.
In 1978, Robert married Kris Jenner, and together they had four children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian. These children would later become global celebrities through the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. But none of that would’ve happened without the foundation built by Arthur.
Robert died in 2003 from esophageal cancer, just eight weeks after being diagnosed. To honor him, the family supports the UCLA Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health, a medical center focused on the disease that took his life.
Barbara Kardashian Freeman
Arthur’s eldest daughter, Barbara Kardashian Freeman, was born in 1939. Unlike her brother Robert, Barbara chose a quiet, private life. She stayed away from media and fame, but she was always close to her family.
Barbara married Richard Freeman and lived a peaceful life in California. While she never appeared on TV, her nieces often mentioned her in warm memories, especially when honoring their father’s side of the family.
She passed away in 2022, but she remained a strong, steady figure in the Kardashian family tree.
Thomas “Tommy” Kardashian
The third child of Arthur Kardashian is Thomas “Tommy” Kardashian. While he didn’t become famous like his brother Robert, Tommy still carried the family name with pride. He chose a more private life, away from cameras and public attention.
Tommy followed in his father’s footsteps by working in business, especially around Southern California. He never appeared on reality shows, but he stayed close to the family. He married Joan “Joanie” Roberts, and together they built a life based on values passed down from Arthur and Helen.
Arthur represents the quieter side of the family—the ones who live with purpose, honor their heritage, and continue family traditions without needing fame.
The Influence of the Molokan Faith on Arthur’s Identity and Family Legacy
Arthur Kardashian’s Molokan faith shaped who he was—and how he raised his children. Molokans are Spiritual Christians who broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church. They believed in living a simple, honest, and peaceful life. They didn’t follow strict religious rules but followed the Bible in their own way.
Arthur grew up with these values. He stayed humble, worked hard, and focused on doing what was right. These lessons helped shape the character of his children and even his grandchildren. The Kardashian family’s strong sense of family unity, respect for heritage, and work ethic can all be traced back to these beliefs.
Even today, you can see traces of this in the way Kim Kardashian and others talk about their past. They often speak proudly about being Armenian. That pride started with Arthur—and the Molokan traditions he carried from his parents.
Arthur Kardashian’s Impact on the Modern Kardashian Empire
Arthur Kardashian never appeared on TV. He didn’t go viral or run a fashion brand. But in many ways, he helped create the world the Kardashians live in today. Without him, Robert Sr. wouldn’t have gone to law school, and the family may never have had the same opportunities.
Arthur’s hard work gave his children the tools to reach high. His influence still shows in their success. Kim Kardashian often talks about how her father inspired her to study law—and Robert Sr. was inspired by Arthur. It’s a chain of influence that starts with one man and grows across generations.
Even though Arthur died in 2012, his values are still alive. His story lives on in family businesses, in their charity work, and in how they stay connected to Armenia and their culture.
The Creation of “Arthur George”
In 2012, Arthur’s grandson, Rob Kardashian, launched a sock brand called Arthur George. The name is special. “Arthur” comes from Arthur Kardashian, and “George” comes from George Jenner, Rob’s other grandfather. It was a way to honor both sides of his family.
The brand makes stylish socks, but it’s more than just fashion. It’s a symbol of legacy. Rob wanted to keep his grandfather’s name alive in a modern way. Arthur George is a mix of tradition and trend—something old and something new.
It’s a great example of how the younger Kardashians carry their family history into the future, using creativity and business to celebrate their past.
Armenian Heritage in the Kardashian Line: From Arthur to Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé
Arthur Kardashian’s love for his Armenian roots didn’t stop with him. His grandchildren—especially Kim, Khloé, and Kourtney—have kept those roots alive. They’ve visited Armenia, shared stories, and spoken publicly about their heritage.
In 2015, Kim and Khloé made an emotional trip to Armenia. They visited the Mother Armenia statue and met with the Prime Minister. Kim even had her children baptized in Armenia, showing how much the culture still means to her.
She also took a DNA test on TV and found out she is 94% Armenian. She laughed and said, “That explains all the hair!” but she also made it clear how proud she was.
Arthur Kardashian Final Years, Death, and Resting Place
Arthur Kardashian lived a long life. He passed away peacefully on December 9, 2012, at the age of 95, in Mission Hills, California. He was laid to rest beside his beloved wife Helen at Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Even in his final years, Arthur stayed true to his values. He stayed close to his family, shared stories, and kept traditions alive. His passing marked the end of an era—but his legacy continues.
Final Thoughts
Arthur Kardashian may not be on magazine covers, but his fingerprints are all over the Kardashian story. He built the family’s wealth, passed down strong values, and showed his children what it means to stay grounded. From his meat-packing empire to his deep faith, Arthur shaped the very heart of the family.
Without him, there would be no Robert Kardashian Sr., no Keeping Up with the Kardashians, no billion-dollar brands, and maybe not even the strong Armenian pride the family shows today.
His story reminds us that behind every famous name, there is someone who worked hard in silence. Arthur Kardashian was that man—the patriarch, the provider, and the quiet builder of a dynasty that changed pop culture forever.
FAQs
What was Arthur Kardashian’s background and early life?
Arthur Kardashian was born in Los Angeles to Armenian immigrant parents who fled the Kars region before the Armenian Genocide. He grew up in a tight Molokan community that valued faith, family, and tradition.
How did Arthur Kardashian build his career and wealth?
He owned and operated Great Western Packing Company, one of the largest meat-packing firms in Southern California. His business success created the first major source of Kardashian family wealth.
Who were Arthur Kardashian’s children, and what are they known for?
His children were Robert Kardashian Sr., famed for the O.J. Simpson trial; Barbara Kardashian Freeman, who lived a private life; and Thomas “Tommy” Kardashian, a businessman who stayed out of the spotlight.
What role did Arthur Kardashian’s Armenian heritage play in the family’s identity?
Arthur kept Armenian traditions alive and passed them to his children and grandchildren. This led to the modern family’s strong pride in their heritage, including Kim and Khloé’s activism and visits to Armenia.
How is Arthur Kardashian remembered today?
Arthur is remembered as the quiet patriarch who built the family’s foundation. His values, hard work, and cultural pride shaped the Kardashian dynasty long before fame and reality TV entered the picture.
