20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (2024)

Table of Contents
There's controversy about who first came up with the idea for the show. Kris set Google Alerts on her children's names. Kourtney Kardashian said she used to cry in a bathroom off-camera during season one. Kim Kardashian was the most involved with the E! show's production. Khloe Kardashian did not want her own spin-off but signed up for "Khloe & Lamar" because of Lamar Odom. Kim didn't plan on showing her and Kanye West's wedding on the show. Kris had a nail artist come to the house each week to make sure Kendall and Kylie Jenner always had their nails done. The exterior shots of houses aren't actually the Kardashians' homes. Kris' doorbell inspired the show's original theme song. Kourtney said her breakup with Scott Disick was the hardest episode to film on "KUWTK." Kanye initially didn't want to be on the show. Kylie's most embarrassing on-air moment happened during season one. The original goal of the show was to direct attention to the family's clothing stores. The family had brand new iPhones dropped off for filming each week during the pandemic. Producers considered naming the show "Kardashians: Krazy With A K" and "Living Kardashian." Khloe said she won't let her daughter True Thompson watch "KUWTK" until she's 13 years old. Some scenes, including Kim's engagement to Kris Humphries, have been reshot or rehearsed. The family requires guests on the show to sign nondisclosure agreements. The family usually shoots footage for 10 to 12 hours per day. Kris and Kim get their makeup and hair done each day they shoot "KUWTK." FAQs

Updated

2022-04-14T15:29:56Z

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (1)

E!
  • The new season of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" premieres on Hulu on Thursday.
  • The footage may seem raw and spontaneous, but there's a lot going on behind the scenes.
  • They had nail artists come to their house and iPhones sent to them throughout filming.

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There's controversy about who first came up with the idea for the show.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (2)

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

In Caitlyn Jenner's memoir"The Secrets of My Life," she implies that she came up with the concept behind the reality show, not her ex-wife Kris Jenner.

"The house is awash in puberty and adolescence and young adulthood and two parents with very different styles, it seems to me something is there for television," Caitlyn told Kris, according to her book.

Later, Caitlyn wrote, "Kris says she is the one who came up with the idea and decided to actively pitch it to Ryan Seacrest."

In response, Kris told The Hollywood Reporter that Jenner's claim was "so absurd."

"I'm not sure what the motivation was for her to say something like that. Maybe somebody should remind her that it's called 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians,'" Kris said.

Originally, E! Network passed on the concept, which almost brought it to Bravo. Ryan Seacrest, a friend of the family and long-time producer, convinced executives to give the show a chance.

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Kris set Google Alerts on her children's names.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (3)

Lionel Cironneau/AP

Kris confirmed that she uses Google Alerts to keep tabs on her kids' locations during a 2014 episode of "Beyond Candid With Giuliana."

"Sometimes I want to know where everybody is," she said. "I have a Google Alert on the kids. I'll go, 'Wait, oh that's right. They're in Italy.'"

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Kourtney Kardashian said she used to cry in a bathroom off-camera during season one.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (4)

E!

Kourtney was very camera-shy while filming the first season and wasn't always on board with the idea of the reality show, she told The Hollywood Reporter.

According to Kris, her eldest, who was 27 at the time, had to be convinced to join the show.

"The only person I got any resistance from was Kourtney. She was sort of skeptical," Kris told The Hollywood Reporter.

Kourtney joined the show but admitted that she hid some of her emotions from the camera.

"I remember in season one being like, 'I have to go the bathroom,' and I'd cry in there as quietly as I could because I was still mic'd," Kourtney said. "I never want to cry in front of cameras."

Though Kourtney has stuck with the show and its spinoffs, she recently made a decision to step back from the cameras to focus on motherhood and her brand Poosh.

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Kim Kardashian was the most involved with the E! show's production.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (5)

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Though Kris and the three Kardashian sisters all serve as executive producers on the show, Kimsaid she's the most involved with shaping the "KUWTK" story.

"I'm very aware of what fans want to see," Kim told The Hollywood Reporter."I think if you ask the crew, I probably produce the most, because I know what my sisters might not be sharing. So I'll tell them, 'Go over to Kourt's house right now. Something is going on.'"

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Khloe Kardashian did not want her own spin-off but signed up for "Khloe & Lamar" because of Lamar Odom.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (6)

Frederick M. Brown/Getty

"Khloe & Lamar" aired for two seasons and revolved around Khloe andOdom's whirlwind romance and subsequent marriage.

"I never wanted to do 'Khloe & Lamar;' my ex-husband did," Khloe told The Hollywood Reporter. "He has his career, but he really fought for it. I said, 'You have to go into E! and promise them that you have the time.'"

The series began in 2011 and ended in 2012 after the couple moved to Texas so that Odom could play for the Dallas Mavericks. Eventually, Lamar sustained an injury while playing for the team, which led Khloe to make a difficult decision about the show.

"He sold it, and I let it happen because I wanted him to be happy, but I was the one who canceled it," Khloe said. "It was way too much."

She filed for divorce in 2013, though they didn't officially end their marriage until 2016.

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Kim didn't plan on showing her and Kanye West's wedding on the show.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (7)

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In the season-nine finale "Kim's Journey to the Altar," Kim and Kanyetied the knot at Forte di Belvedere in Italy in 2014.

"We had no intention of showing our wedding on the show," Kim told The Hollywood Reporter, adding that her assistant filmed the footage using a Handycam.

"She was literally standing on top of a castle and freezing, because we knew we wanted to capture this gorgeous walk from up above. People were yelling at her like, 'You can't film up there!'"

Kim said she and Kanye "loved the footage so much" that they included some of it on "KUWTK."

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Kris had a nail artist come to the house each week to make sure Kendall and Kylie Jenner always had their nails done.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (8)

Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Kylie has become well-known for her long, intricately painted nails.

During a 2017 interview with Cosmopolitan, the makeup mogul revealed that she gets them done once a week, a habit that has been engrained in Kylie and her older sister Kendall Jenner from a young age.

"My mom would make us do it. She would have a nail artist come to the house once a week and she would makeus get our nails done. She was like, 'You are nevergoing to look like you're not put together.' So we were always getting them done," Kendall explained.

The supermodel said she only does them if she has a photoshoot, but Kylie said she took her mother's advice.

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The exterior shots of houses aren't actually the Kardashians' homes.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (9)

E!

While answering fans' questions on Mobio Insider, Kim revealed that they don't show their own house exteriors on the show for "security reasons."

"My old home in Beverly Hills was really my home & I would get people showing up at all hours ringing my gate & had to call the police on several occasions," Kim wrote, according to ABC News.

She continued, "People hopping the gate & scaring me. It was so unsafe. The hollywood star tours would stop by too, bc they recognized my home from our show. After that we realized how unsafe it is to show the exterior of our homes. So now we use different homes for the outside for security purposes."

Kim said that the family does film inside their own homes.

According to the Daily Mail, one of the homes with an exterior that was featured on the show went up for sale in 2014. The house, which is located around 20 miles from the Kardashians' actual homes, was reportedly listed for $6.25 million, according to TMZ.

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Kris' doorbell inspired the show's original theme song.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (10)

E!

In a 2011 interview on "Good Morning America," Kris said her doorbell inspired the theme song from the first couple of seasons on the show. The opening sequence has since changed several times.

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Kourtney said her breakup with Scott Disick was the hardest episode to film on "KUWTK."

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (11)

AP

Though the pair have remained close following their split and seemingly mastered co-parenting their three children, Kourtney said their 2015 breakup was the most difficult episode to film during a 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

"The hardest episode to film was my breakup with Scott," she said. "I had a lot of anxiety about it, and finally said let's just get this over with. I sat down and started crying. You go through something, and then you move past it. Then you do your interview, and get all riled up again. And then you see the episode, and start seeing all these comments."

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Kanye initially didn't want to be on the show.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (12)

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Kanye decided to keep his personal life off of "KUWTK" when he married Kim in 2014.

"Kanye was like, 'I'm not a part of the show. That's not what I do. I have my own career and life,'" Kim told The Hollywood Reporter.

The rapper has since gotten involved with the show, despite his initial hesitations.

"He'll really surprise you though. He'll be like, 'I'm not filming' and then randomly show up. But I will get [the footage] and show him. He knew I would love to have my engagement on camera so he filmed it and he said, 'The look might be a little different because I need these type of cameras,' and got music clearance," she said.

Kim explained that she respects Kanye's boundaries and only speaks for herself in front of the cameras.

"I won't really ever talk about something that's going on with Kanye. I'll talk about how I feel. He knows that I'm really protective of him," she said.

When Adam Stotsky, the president of E!, suggested that Kanye try taking on his own show or series, Kris shot down the idea.

"Kanye does not have time or have any desire that I know of to do a show like that," she said.

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Kylie's most embarrassing on-air moment happened during season one.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (13)

Stefanie Keenan/WireImage

Though the show has followed Kylie's life from the time she was only 10 years old, her least favorite moment happened during the first season.

When asked about her most cringeworthy moment on the show during an interview with E! News, Jenner said that it was "probably the stripper pole," referring to an episode on season one of "KUWTK" when she played on a pole at her family home.

"The stripper pole was so embarrassing," she said. "I wish it never happened."

Kylie and Kendall later made a fake "Girls Gone Wild" video, which sparked a major controversy at the time.

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The original goal of the show was to direct attention to the family's clothing stores.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (14)

Marc Stamas/Getty Images

In a 2014 episode of "Beyond Candid With Giuliana," Kris admitted that she initially used the show as a marketing tool for the family's stores, Dash and Smooch.

Dash, which was co-founded by the Kardashian sisters in 2006, became the focal point for spin-offs like "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami" and "Dash Dolls."

Kim echoed Kris' statement during a 2015 interview withVariety, stating she never predicted the show's success.

"When the opportunity for our TV show came about, I wanted to do it to bring attention to our stores," she said. "I was thinking this might not last very long, but we'll grow a great business and expand online. I thought it would be great press. I didn't think it would turn into what it turned into."

In 2018, Kim released a statement announcing that they were closing the Dash stores, which had brick-and-mortar locations in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.

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The family had brand new iPhones dropped off for filming each week during the pandemic.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (15)

Kim Kardashian West/instagram

The reality stars continued filming season 19 of "KUWTK" during the coronavirus pandemic, executive producer Farnaz Farjam told Elle.

Because a camera crew wasn't categorized as "essential" under California's stay-at-home orders, the family was tasked with capturing their own footage.

Farjam worked with the Kardashians to create a detailed system, which required a brand new iPhone for filming each week.

A photographer and technician set up properly lit rooms for confessionals and iPhone-compatible tripods in Kim and Khloe's homes.

All of the equipment was thoroughly sanitized, Farjam explained, adding that the family waited at least 24 hours before entering the room where the gear was stationed.

Each Monday, a showrunner wearing protective gear collected the iPhones and dropped off brand-new smartphones to the family's security teams to begin the next cycle of recording.

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Producers considered naming the show "Kardashians: Krazy With A K" and "Living Kardashian."

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (16)

E!

Before the series first aired in 2007, producers struggled to find the perfect name for the show.

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Damla Dogan, the senior vice president of development and programming at E!, said that several titles had floated around for the series, but none really stuck.

When Farjam showed up to a meeting without any ideas, she said she was "too busy keeping up with the Kardashians" as an excuse. It was a hit.

"I came up with it on accident because I was living it," Farjam said.

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Khloe said she won't let her daughter True Thompson watch "KUWTK" until she's 13 years old.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (17)

@khloekardashian/Instagram

After Khloe announced that her and Tristan Thompson's baby was a girl on an episode of "KUWTK," she shared a post called "My Hopes for My Daughter."

The letter outlined plans for Khloe as a parent, including her decision not to let True watch her first episode of the reality show until she turns 13.

She also said that she plans to raise her daughter to have an abundance of self-love and won't allow True to go on her first date until she's 15.

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Some scenes, including Kim's engagement to Kris Humphries, have been reshot or rehearsed.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (18)

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

According to court documents obtained by Life and Style during the pair's divorce trial, "KUWTK" producer Russell Jay said that at least two scenes directly related to the estranged couple's relationship had been reshot.

The scenes included Kim and her mom discussing the divorce, Kim discovering a party in her hotel room, and Humpries' proposal, which they decided to reshoot because Kim allegedly didn't like her initial reaction.

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The family requires guests on the show to sign nondisclosure agreements.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (19)

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Though the Kardashian-Jenner family is willing to bring cameras into their homes, they aren't ready to share all of their secrets.

In 2015, a New York Times reporter shared that Kris keeps a stack of nondisclosure agreements on the foyer of her house for guests to sign.

Kim also confirmed that everyone on"KUWTK" is required to sign the documents in a tweet that said, "Btw NDA'S for all."

After Blac Chyna accused Rob Kardashian of physically abusing her in 2017, media outlets emailed members of the Kardashian family to ask for their statements. In response, Kim's representatives sent ABC News a photo of the nondisclosure agreement that Chyna signed as a precursor to appearing on the show.

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The family usually shoots footage for 10 to 12 hours per day.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (20)

NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Just because "KUWTK" is reality television doesn't mean it doesn't require long days of shooting.

Kris told The New York Times that the family usually films for 10 to 12 hours per day while taping "KUWTK." She explained that the days can run longer depending on the complexity of the plotline.

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Kris and Kim get their makeup and hair done each day they shoot "KUWTK."

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (21)

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for LACMA

Though they're known for their curated outfits and detailed makeup, the Kardashians enlist assistance to get them camera-ready for their show.

Kris admitted that she gets her hair and makeup done every day before filming "KUWTK" during her 2015 interview with The New York Times. Her assistant added that her busy schedule often only permits for one hour of preparation from start to finish.

Kim takes slightly longer, however. She told Paper that she sets aside two hours for professional hair and makeup each day.

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As an expert enthusiast with in-depth knowledge of the Kardashians and the production of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" (KUWTK), let me provide you with insights and information related to the concepts mentioned in the article.

  1. Behind the Scenes Production:

    • The article reveals that the filming of KUWTK involves meticulous planning. Nail artists were brought to the Kardashian house, and iPhones were sent to them throughout filming. This sheds light on the efforts taken to maintain the show's production quality.
  2. Controversy Over Show Concept Origin:

    • Caitlyn Jenner's memoir suggests a dispute over the origin of the show's concept. Kris Jenner claims credit, while Caitlyn implies she came up with the idea. This controversy adds a layer of intrigue to the show's history.
  3. Google Alerts for Keeping Tabs:

    • Kris Jenner uses Google Alerts to track her children's locations, revealing the extent of her involvement and concern for their well-being.
  4. Kourtney's Initial Resistance:

    • Kourtney Kardashian initially resisted joining the show, highlighting the challenges and skepticism some family members had about participating in a reality TV series.
  5. Kim's Role as Executive Producer:

    • Kim Kardashian is heavily involved in shaping the storyline of KUWTK, asserting that she produces the most among the family members, emphasizing her commitment to meeting audience expectations.
  6. Khloe's Spin-off Reluctance:

    • Khloe Kardashian's reluctance to have her own spin-off, "Khloe & Lamar," reveals the dynamics of individual family members navigating their roles within the broader Kardashian media empire.
  7. Unexpected Inclusion of Kim's Wedding:

    • Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's wedding, initially not intended for the show, was later included due to the compelling footage captured during the event.
  8. Kris' Influence on Kendall and Kylie's Nails:

    • Kris Jenner ensured that Kendall and Kylie Jenner always had their nails done, underscoring the family's commitment to maintaining a polished image.
  9. Exterior Shots for Security Reasons:

    • Exterior shots of the Kardashians' homes are not shown on the show for security reasons, as revealed by Kim Kardashian, demonstrating the lengths taken to protect their privacy.
  10. Kris' Doorbell Inspired Theme Song:

    • The show's original theme song was inspired by Kris Jenner's doorbell, showcasing the unique and personal touches involved in the show's creation.
  11. Emotional Challenges Filming Breakups:

    • Kourtney Kardashian reflects on the emotional difficulty of filming her breakup with Scott Disick, highlighting the personal toll that certain episodes took on the cast members.
  12. Kanye's Initial Reluctance:

    • Kanye West initially resisted being part of the show but later became involved, emphasizing the evolving dynamics of his relationship with the Kardashian family.
  13. Embarrassing On-Air Moments:

    • Kylie Jenner mentions her most embarrassing on-air moment, involving a stripper pole, providing insights into the challenges and cringeworthy moments experienced by the family members.
  14. Original Goal to Promote Clothing Stores:

    • Kris Jenner initially used the show to promote the family's clothing stores, Dash and Smooch, showcasing the show's initial purpose as a marketing tool.
  15. Filming During the Pandemic:

    • The article discusses how the family continued filming during the pandemic, using a detailed system with new iPhones each week to comply with safety measures.
  16. Consideration of Show Titles:

    • Producers considered alternative names like "Kardashians: Krazy With A K" and "Living Kardashian" before settling on the current title, revealing the creative process behind naming the show.
  17. Guests Signing Nondisclosure Agreements:

    • The family requires guests on the show to sign nondisclosure agreements, underscoring the importance of privacy and control over the narrative.
  18. Long Hours of Filming:

    • The family typically shoots footage for 10 to 12 hours per day, dispelling the notion that reality TV requires less effort than scripted productions.
  19. Daily Hair and Makeup Routine:

    • Kris and Kim get their hair and makeup done each day they shoot KUWTK, emphasizing the dedication to maintaining a polished appearance for the show.

These insights demonstrate the multifaceted aspects of producing "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and the complex dynamics within the Kardashian family.

20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' (2024)

FAQs

What race is Kim Kardashian? ›

Kimberly Noel Kardashian was born on October 21, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, to Robert and Kris Kardashian (née Houghton). She has an older sister, Kourtney, a younger sister, Khloé, and a younger brother, Rob. Their mother is of Scottish and Dutch ancestry, while their father is of Armenian descent.

Do the Kardashians film in their actual homes? ›

They Don't Film the Real Exteriors of Their Homes

As Kim explained, this is for “safety reasons,” adding, “The Hollywood Star Tours would stop by, too, because they recognized my home from our show. After that, we realized how unsafe it is to show the exterior of our homes.

Is everything in Keeping Up with the Kardashians real? ›

No, "The Kardashians" isn't scripted, but there is a major difference between the filming style of "KUWTK" and "The Kardashians." On "KUWTK," they invited us into their lives, but the cameras were largely ignored.

Who is the most famous out of the Kardashians and Jenners? ›

Kim Kardashian

Known for: Being the queen of selfies, kimojis, and frankly, all social media; her internet-breaking bum, her fashion evolution, contouring skills, and the story of her rise to fame. Kim Kardashian is the middle sister and probably the best known.

How much does Kim Kardashian weigh? ›

In 2020, Kardashian weighed 130 pounds, which she said while confessing to having bra fat, recalling that thanks to her exercise regimen in 2018 she weighed just 116 pounds.

What religion are the Kardashians? ›

In the new series of The Kardashians, we see glimpses of the Christian faith of the world's most famous family. Whether it's prayers before big events or discussions about raising children in the church, it's clear that God plays a significant role in the billionaires' lives.

How many hours a day do The Kardashians film? ›

They Filmed 10 to 12 Hours per Day

IMDB/E! The cameras were basically never not rolling on KUWTK, and the New York Times reported that Kris even had cameras installed on her ceiling—at least as of 2015.

How rich is Scott Disick? ›

According to CelebrityNetWorth.com Scott Disick's net worth in 2024 is $45 Million and his salary is estimated at $4 Million per year. Lord Disick wasn't one of those people who started with nothing and made it big.

Are any of The Kardashians nice? ›

The insider told the magazine that Kim Kardashian is one of the most lovable members of the famous family, labeling her as "extremely humble and down-to-earth," but also saying that she is extremely generous to the family's employees.

Do The Kardashians really like each other? ›

Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian Barker say they've resolved their fight. “I think there's like this huge misconception that Kourtney and I hate each other. We really don't,” Kim said on Season Five, Episode Two of "The Kardashians."

Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer? ›

Kim Kardashian—who passed California's "baby bar" exam in 2021—shared a glimpse into her current studies as she continues to pursue a career in law.

Do The Kardashians all live near each other? ›

Kourtney Kardashian lives in a neighbourhood called Calabasas, close to her sisters' Hidden Hills homes.

Who is richer, Kyle or Kim? ›

Who is the richest Kardashian? As of January 2024, it's Kim with a cool $1.7 billion to her name. She's followed by youngest sis Kylie with $680 million, and then it's a big step down to the rest of their relatives.

Who is the least followed Kardashian? ›

It's no surprise that Rob Kardashian has the lowest number of followers of any of the Kar-Jenners.

What is the Kardashians real nationality? ›

While it's not clear if Robert Kardashian was a citizen of any other country when Kim was born, it's well known that Robert was an American of Armenian descent. Both of Robert Kardashian's parents were Armenian-Americans, and the name “Kardashian” is an Armenian name.

What race was Mr Kardashian? ›

Kardashian was an Armenian-American. He was the husband of Kris Jenner and the father of Kourtney, Kim, Khloé and Rob, Kardashian was born on February 22, 1944 in Los Angeles, California. He studied at the University of Southern California and at the University of San Diego School of Law.

Where is Kim Kardashians ancestors from? ›

Robert Kardashian Sr. was the son of Helen and Arthur Kardashian. All four of his grandparents were Armenian who emigrated from the Ottoman Empire to the United States of America in the early 20th century, originating from the towns of Karakale and Ardahan in modern-day Turkey.

What nationality is mother Kardashian? ›

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