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See How the People v. O.J. Simpson Actors Compare to Their Real-Life Counterparts

1 minute read
Cuba Gooding, Jr., right, as O.J. Simpson, left.
Left: O.J. Simpson; Right: Cuba Gooding, Jr.AFP/Getty Images; FX Networks
By TIME Photo and Eliana Dockterman

Millions watched O.J. Simpson’s trial for murder unfold in real time, which made casting actors in the FX anthology series The People v. O.J. Simpson a challenge. Who could possibly portray now-infamous figures like Simpson, his lawyers Johnnie Cochran and Robert Shapiro, and even family friend (and ex-husband of Kris Jenner) Robert Kardashian?

A host of famous actors including Cuba Gooding, Jr., John Travolta, David Schwimmer and Sarah Paulson were tapped for just some of the roles. Check out how the cast compares to their real-life counterparts.

The People v. O.J. Simpson premieres Feb. 2 at 10 p.m. E.T. on FX.

Cuba Gooding, Jr., right, as O.J. Simpson, left.
Left: O.J. Simpson; Right: Cuba Gooding, Jr.AFP/Getty Images; FX Networks
Left: Witness Kato Kaelin; Right: Billy Magnussen.AFP/Getty Images; FX Networks
Judge Lance Ito, left, and Kenneth Choi, right.
Left: Judge Lance Ito; Right: Kenneth Choi.AFP/Getty Images; FX Networks
Defense Attorney Johnnie Cochran, left, and Courtney Vance, right.
Left: Defense attorney Johnnie Cochran; Right: Courtney B. Vance.Myung Chun—AFP/Getty Images; FX Networks
Robert Kardashian, left, and David Schwimmer, right.
Left: Defense attorney Robert Kardashian; Right: David Schwimmer.Lee Celano—Getty Images; FX Networks
F. Lee Bailey, left, and Nathan Lane, right.
Left: Defense attorney F. Lee Bailey; Right: Nathan Lane.AFP/Getty Images; FX Networks
Robert Shapiro, left, and John Travolta, right.
Left: Defense attorney Robert Shapiro; Right: John Travolta.Lee Celano—Getty Images; FX Networks
Prosecutor Marcia Clark, left, and Sarah Paulson, right.
Left: Prosecutor Marcia Clark; Right: Sarah Paulson.AFP/Getty Images; FX Networks
Gil Garcetti, left, and Bruce Greenwood, right.
Left: Los Angeles District Attorney Gil Garcetti; Right: Bruce Greenwood.AFP/Getty Images; FX Networks

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Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com