The Kardashians Page 30

  After a rocky courtship, during which Robert Kardashian dated Priscilla Presley, he wed junior flight attendant Kris Houghton, a union officiated by Kardashian’s confidant and minister, Pastor Kenn Gulliksen, who later witnessed the decline and fall of their marriage when Kris cheated on Kardashian. (COURTESY OF PASTOR KENN GULLIKSEN, VIA ROBERT KARDASHIAN)

  Kris Jenner’s estranged father, Bob Houghton, with girlfriend, Leslie Johnson Leach, on his lap. She dumped him because of his excessive drinking. (COURTESY OF LESLIE JOHNSON LEACH)

  When Kris was seven, and her sister, Karen, was four, their father, an emotional and abusive alcoholic, abandoned the family, which ended their troubled marriage. Mary Jo later remarried another drinker, but had him quit before they tied the knot. (COURTESY OF LESLIE JOHNSON LEACH)

  Gorgeous Vicky Kron Thomsen poses for a pal in the blue dress she intended to wear when becoming Bob Houghton’s second wife. But tragedy struck when he was killed and she was seriously injured when the Porsche he was driving while inebriated slammed head-on into a truck on their way to be married in Mexico. (COURTESY OF VICKY KRON THOMSEN)

  Robert Kardashian became a born-again Christian in the wake of his family’s bribery scandal. Here he and his longtime pastor Kenn Gulliksen and other fellow Christians gather at Gulliksen’s home—from left to right Gulliksen and wife, Joanie, Pamela Rice, Happy Rue, and Kardashian. At dinner he revealed that a prophetess foretold the Kardashian name would become world famous. (COURTESY OF HAPPY RUE)

  Tykes Kourtney and Kim with baby Khloé, who looks nothing like her sisters. Their father would later confide in close friends and his pastor that Khloé was not his biological child, but that he loved her and would raise her as his own. Both Khloé and her mother, Kris, would deny such tabloid gossip. (COURTESY OF PASTOR KENN GULLIKSEN, VIA ROBERT KARDASHIAN)

  All grown up and looking hot, the Kardashian girls with their “momager” mother, Kris, at a benefit in the summer of 2010 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, in Water Mill, N.Y. (BARRY TALESNICK-IPOL-GLOBE PHOTOS, INC.)

  Fame, fortune, and infamy came to pals Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian, both of whom made their first millions and launched their popularity by starring in separate sex videos with their boyfriends. (PHIL ROACH-GLOBE PHOTOS, INC.)

  Kim’s boyfriend, dapper William Ray Norwood Jr., better known as Ray J, was Kim’s co-star in her porno film that became public in 2007, and Kim reportedly settled with Vivid Entertainment for $5 million. (LISA ROSE-GLOBE PHOTOS, INC.)

  Khloé married 6’10” Lamar Odom in September 2009, but the pair would have a turbulent union. He would have problems with drugs and alcohol, and made headlines in 2015 when he was found unconscious in a Las Vegas brothel. Their marriage ended in divorce after much public and private drama. (NANCY KASZERMAN/ZUMAPRESS.COM)

  Kris Jenner’s aging mother, Mary Jo, is helped into a car by her daughter Kris Kardashian Jenner’s boyfriend of the moment, Corey Gamble. According to sources, Mary Jo was Kris’s “enabler” in finding and marrying rich men beginning when Kris was still in high school. (MICHAEL WRIGHT/WENN.COM)

  Robert Arthur “Rob” Kardashian, only son of the late attorney Robert Kardashian and his then wife, the future Kris Jenner. Like his sisters, Rob became a tabloid and reality TV fixture. Here with his one-time fiancée, Blac Chyna, who had his baby daughter, Dream Renée Kardashian, in 2016. (MJT/ADMEDIA)

  Kim Kardashian West, showing off her famous derriere for the paparazzi at the 2015 Costume Institute Benefit Gala in New York City, with her third husband Kanye West, the sometimes troubled rapper and designer, and the father of their two children. Together, the tabloids have dubbed them “Kimye.” (STARMAXWORLDWIDE)

  Not long before a gang of veteran thieves broke into Kim Kardashian West’s hotel room in Paris in October 2016 and stole some $10 million worth of jewelry, leaving her tied up, she is shown here being escorted by her muscular bodyguard. (STARMAXWORLDWIDE)

  Kris Jenner with her boyfriend, Corey Gamble, described by Britain’s Daily Mail as her “toyboy lover” as spotted together during Paris fashion week in 2016 when Kim was robbed of a fortune in diamonds. (STARMAXWORLDWIDE)

  Before Gold Medal Olympian Bruce Jenner married into the Kardashian clan, he was wed to Elvis Presley’s longtime girlfriend Linda Thompson, who published a 2016 memoir revealing her long-held secret that he was a cross-dresser with sexual identity problems. (GLOBE PHOTOS, INC.)

  Kris Kardashian married Bruce Jenner not long after her Kardashian divorce was finalized after she was caught having an affair. She would later claim that she had no knowledge of Jenner’s long-rumored sexual dysfunction, which was not an issue in their divorce. (KEVAN BROOKS/ADMEDIA)

  Worldwide headlines proclaimed Jenner’s transition from Bruce, who famously shed his athletic male image to that of towering reality TV beauty Caitlyn Marie with big feet, strong arms, and supple breasts. Here she rides in a limo to attend a party in London. (STARMAXWORLDWIDE)

  Football great, movie star, and rent-a-car spokesman O. J. Simpson in happier times with his mother and his gorgeous, much younger wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, who he met when she was an eighteen-year-old waitress in Beverly Hills. In 1995 she and a friend were murdered and Simpson was charged with the crime. (GLOBE PHOTOS, INC.)

  Before the infamous murders in exclusive Brentwood, Simpson was a friend of the rich and famous. Here he is paling around with baseball all-star Keith Hernandez and the future president of the United States. (GLOBE PHOTOS, INC.)

  The shock on longtime friend and O. J. attorney Robert Kardashian’s face, a reaction felt by many across the country when a jury returned a not guilty verdict in the murder trial of the century. It was Kardashian’s last hurrah. He died of throat cancer at fifty-nine in 2003. There are those who say he would be “turning over in his grave” with how his children turned out. (LISA ROSE-GLOBE PHOTOS, INC.)

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Many, many people affiliated in one way or another with the Kardashians contributed to helping me piece together the true, untold story of this famous and infamous tabloid and reality TV family.

  However, I must first give credit where credit is definitely due, and that is to the self-styled ‘momager’ herself—the brains behind the outfit—Kristen Mary ‘Kris’ Houghton Kardashian Jenner.

  When I told an editor friend that I was planning to write a biography of the Kardashians, that I intended to go back to the beginning and probe their lives, that I would place them under a journalistic microscope and perform a forensic examination, I was strongly advised to first read a 2011 memoir that Ms. Houghton Kardashian Jenner had penned, a tome that had received great “praise” from such critics as Kim Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, and Lamar Odom.

  Indeed, their rave blurbs were on the very first page of the Kris Jenner paperback that I ordered from Amazon.

  It became kind of a blueprint, a roadmap for the work ahead of me. Her assertions, claims and allegations set me on the trail to discover what was true and untrue, what was hype and what was exaggeration, and what was pure fiction. I discovered a lot of each, so thank you, Ms. Jenner, for making my job a bit easier.

  Members of the Kardashians’ close circle who had never before talked publicly about their relationships with the family answered hours of my probing with unquestioned honesty and remarkable candidness.

  Among them, I especially want to thank Joni Migdal and Larry Kraines who practically grew up with the late Kardashian patriarch Robert Kardashian, best known today as O.J. Simpson’s close friend and “mouthpiece” during the murder trial of the century. Joni was, for a time, Robert’s lover, was present when Robert first met Kris, and was a close observer to their troubled union. Larry had remained lifelong friends with both Robert and Kris—though he was an eyewitness to her cheating. Still, he and his wife Joyce remained close, and Larry was even dubbed ‘Uncle Larry’ by the Kardashian brood.

  Great thanks go to another genuine Kardashian insider, Pastor
Kenn Gulliksen, who offered his candid insights during many hours of my questioning. Gulliksen was Robert Kardashian’s spiritual advisor and counselor when he became a born-again Christian in the wake of a Kardashian family scandal, and also had the honor of officiating at the wedding of Kris and Robert. His honest view of Kris and his candid memories of Robert were invaluable in painting a detailed picture of their lives.

  I especially want to thank Tom Kardashian—Robert’s brother, Kris’s ex-brother-in-law—for agreeing to be interviewed, and to talk openly and candidly for the first time about the Kardashian family. With great honesty, he revealed how he had taken the fall in the mid-1970s when the family’s meatpacking business, of which Tom was an executive, came under federal investigation for bribing U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors. He spoke with immense candor about how his arrest and plea deal left a dark cloud over him and his family for years until he received a presidential pardon.

  So many others contributed their candid insights and colorful memories and anecdotes, from school chums to business associates, friends and detractors. To all of you I owe a great deal of gratitude. Most spoke on the record, but a few requested and received anonymity. You know who you are. I deeply appreciate your cooperation. This book could not have been reported and written without all of your kind cooperation.

  Many thanks to: Beth Palmer, Bud Halicki, Candace Trunzo, Charles Barker, Chuck Girard, Cindy Spallino, Donna Kramer, Gable Matsumura, Happy Rue, Henry Cutrona, Jack Spradlin, Jacquie Schenz, John ‘Chip’ Giannettino, John Q. Kelly, Joan Zimmerman Haza, Judy Ferguson, Leslie Leach, Kurt Harding, Lani Riches, Larry Mizrahi, Larry Myers, Linda Matsuno-Parmenter, Linda Watson, Marla Ostrowksi, Matthew Tallman, Maureen Coddington, Michael Edwards, Mickey Boardman, Nate Denver, Neal Hersh, Paul Cohen, Paulette Kardashian, Phil Pennino, Phil Rodgers, Denice Shakarian Halicki, Vangie Shakarian, Richard Muse, Robert Glaser, Ron Halicki, Rose Rutkowski Cohen, Rudy Sanudo, Susan Pennino, Susan Stafford, Pat Boone, Terran Steinhart, Tony and Donna Byler, Vicki Tafelski Brickel, Vicky Thomsen, Anita Friedman, Amber Carrillo, Paul Hutcheson.

  Here’s hoping the readers enjoy!

  SOURCES

  PROLOGUE

  Author interviews with Pastor Kenn Gulliksen, Happy Rue, Larry Kraines, Kris Jenner’s quote “good girl” from her memoir. Description of Robert Kardashian’s O.J. involvement from press accounts and TV news footage.

  PART I: THE “MOMAGER”

  ONE: STAY CLASSY, SAN DIEGO

  Family roots based on biographical source research. Some quotes from Jenner memoir. Physical description of Robert Houghton from friends. Author interviews with Sanudo family members, Leslie Johnson Leach. Harry Shannon description from Jenner memoir. Naming of Kim Kardashian from confidential source.

  TWO: SCHOOL DAYS

  Author interviews with Marla Tafelski, Vicki Tafelski, Joan Zimmerman, Tom Kardashian, Larry Kraines, Kurt Harding. Details about Irving Azoff from news accounts. Some quotes from Jenner memoir. Details about relationship with Hiltons and Gabor family from author’s book, “House of Hilton.” Kris Jenner’s idolization of Gabors from confidential source.

  THREE: MEETING THE “MOB”

  Details about La Costa and co-owner Merve Adelson from press accounts, Penthouse magazine investigation, and author biography of Barbara Walters, who had been married to Adelson. Account of Debbie Mungle from various sources, including friends and Jenner memoir. Research material included Clairmont High School yearbook. Interviews with Joan Zimmerman, Cheryl Wallace Weatherford, confidential source.

  FOUR: HOLE IN ONE

  Cesar Sanudo roots from interviews with family members and press accounts. Author interviews with Amber Carrillo, Phil Rodgers, Jack Spradlin, Carlos Sanudo, Leslie Johnson Leach, Vicky Kron Thomsen. Some quotes from Jenner memoir.

  FIVE: ENTER KARDASHIAN

  Author interviews with Rudy Sanudo, Jack Spradlin, Joni Migdal, Tom Kardashian, Larry Kraines, Linda Watson, confidential source. Some quotes and description from Jenner memoir, and the book Kardashian Konfidential.

  SIX: AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER

  Cesar Sanudo golf earnings from press accounts. Some quotes and description from Jenner memoir. Author interviews with Jack Spradlin, Amber Carrillo, Rudy Sanudo, Jacqui Schenz, and confidential source.

  SEVEN: COFFEE, TEA, OR ME?

  Author interviews with Larry Kraines, Jack Spradlin, Cesar Sanudo family members, Cindy Spallino. Some quotes and description from Jenner memoir.

  EIGHT: KARDASHIAN AND PRESLEY

  Source for some Priscilla Presley history from “Child Bride,” by Suzanna Finstad, and “Elvis and Me,” by Presley. Author interviews with Joni Migdal, Tom Kardashian, Susan Stafford, Larry Kraines. Joan Agajanian quotes from Finstad book. Some quotes and detail from Jenner memoir, and Linda Thompson’s A Little Thing Called Life.

  PART II: THE “MOUTHPIECE”

  NINE: A CORRUPT FAMILY BUSINESS

  Descriptions of Vernon from press accounts. Author interviews with Tom Kardashian on Kardasian family history, and Tom Kardashian’s arrest, indictment, presidential pardon, supported by published press accounts, and U.S. Justice Department release. Author interviews with Phil Pennino, Joni Migdal, Larry Kraines.

  TEN: A KARDASHIAN CHILDHOOD

  Author interviews with Tom Kardashian, Larry Kraines, Linda Matsumo-Parmenter, Phil Pennino, Joni Migdal. History of California Military Academy from press accounts. Details about Dorsey High School from yearbooks and interviews with a number of alumni.

  ELEVEN: JESUS AND THE KARDASHIANS

  Author interviews with Pastor Kenn Gulliksen, Larry Kraines, Chuck Girard, Henry Cutrona, Joni Migdal, Tom Kardashian, Susan Stafford. Rev. Chuck Smith profile from press accounts. Details about faith healer Avak Hagopian from Los Angeles newspaper accounts and Life Magazine. Clem Davies details from press accounts. Some quotes from Jenner memoir. Pat Boone quotes from an email from his assistant to author.

  TWELVE: A STEPFORD WIFE

  Author interviews with Susan Stafford, Tom Kardashian, Joni Migdal, Larry Kraines, Kenn Gulliksen, Cindy Spallino. Some details and quotes from Jenner memoir. Stepford wives account from Migdal and confidential source.

  THIRTEEN: WEDDING BELLS

  Author interviews with Rev. Larry Myers, Tom Kardashian, Larry Kraines, Kenn Gulliksen, Cindy Spallino. Some quotes and detail from Jenner memoir. Rev. Donn Moomaw sex scandal from press accounts.

  FOURTEEN: A THREE-THOUSAND-DOLLAR BELT

  Some details and quotes from Jenner memoir. Author interviews with Cindy Spallino, Joni Migdal, Kenn Gulliksen, Tom Kardashian, Larry Kraines, Donna Kramer, and with a cousin who asked to remain anonymous regarding the $3,000 belt. Shelli Azoff snake anecdote from New York Post’s Page Six.

  FIFTEEN: WHO’S YOUR DADDY?

  Some details and quotes regarding the birth of Khloé from Jenner memoir. Kylie Jenner from press accounts. Author interviews with Neal Raymond Hersh, Larry Kraines, Joni Migdal, Kenn Gulliksen.

  SIXTEEN: ANOTHER AFFAIR

  Author interviews with Larry Kraines, Joni Migdal, Tom Kardashian. Rob Lowe background from press accounts. Todd Waterman and his mother’s quotes from press accounts. Faye Resnick quotes from her book, “Nicole Brown Simpson: The Private Diary of a Life Interrupted.”

  SEVENTEEN: EMOTIONAL WRECK

  Attorney Neal Hersh’s background from press accounts. Author interviews with Hersh, Tom Kardashian, Larry Kraines, Joni Migdal, Anita Friedman. Some quotes from Jenner memoir. Garvey account from news stories.

  EIGHTEEN: ENTER JENNER

  Kris Kardashian meeting Bruce Jenner account from Jenner memoir. Todd Waterman quotes from press accounts. Author interviews with Joni Migdal, Larry Kraines.

  NINETEEN: KISSIN’ COUSINS

  Author interviews with Kenn Gulliksen, Bud Halicki, Michelle Orist, Vangie Shakarian, Robert Glaser.

  TWENTY: FATAL FRIENDSHIP

  Author interviews with Tom Kardashian, Joni Migdal, Larry Kraines. Scene of O. J.
Simpson asking Kris to make call is from Sheila Weller’s book, Raging Heart: The Intimate Story of the Tragic Marriage of O.J. and Nicole Brown Simpson. O. J.’s use of the N-word from TV documentary.

  TWENTY-ONE: DIRE WARNINGS

  Author interviews with Paulette Kardashian, Larry Kraines, Tom Kardashian, Neal Hersh, Joni Migdal. Account of Denice Shakarian Halicki’s role from Lawrence Schiller’s “American Tragedy: The Uncensored Story of the Simpson Defense.”

  TWENTY-TWO: TRAGIC TIMES

  Author interviews with Joni Migdal, Kenn Gulliksen, Larry Kraines, confidential source, Vangie Shakarian.

  TWENTY-THREE: LONELY FAREWELL

  Author interviews with Larry Kraines, Joni Migdal, Neal Hersh, Tom Kardashian. Some quotes from Jenner memoir.

  PART III: THE “MISCREANTS”

  TWENTY-FOUR: “KIM KARDASHIAN, SUPERSTAR”

  Kris Jenner’s behind-the-scenes role in Kim’s sex tape from a source who requested anonymity in interview with author. Vivid Entertainment comments from press accounts. Kris Jenner’s appearance with Joan Rivers on YouTube. Some quotes from Jenner memoir. Author interviews with Larry Kraines, Tom Kardashian.

  TWENTY-FIVE: IT’S REALITY

  Press accounts about Bruce Jenner. Press accounts about Seacrest. Kris Jenner’s memoir. Haut Living magazine. The New York Times. Forbes. Author interview with Joni Migdal.