The most recognizable and renown TV judge Joseph Wapner has died at 97 years old at his home in Los Angeles, California. Judge Wapner was a well-known judge who presided the reality TV show “People’s Court” for 12 years.
Judge Wapner died because of the respiratory failure at his house on Sunday, Feb, 26. His son David confirmed the death, as reported by the New York Times.
In his judicial career Wapner was the judge for 20 years in the Los Angeles County Municipal and Superior Court since 1959 until his retirement in 1979. He was then approached by the producer of Syndicated John Masterson who planned to produce the first reality TV show “People’s Court.” The show was shot as the courtroom show, depicting a real life plaintiffs and defendants in the courtroom presided by real judge.
He became the judge for the first version of the series for 12 years since 1981. The “People’s Court” is the half-hour show aired in the daytime showcasing the small cases in the courtroom drama. Judge Wapner became the most famous judge in the United States due to the series, according to Washington Post.
One of the survey conducted in 1989 showed that American people recognized Judge Wapner more than United States Chief Justice at that time William H. Rehnquist. At the peak of its popularity, “People’s Court” show has been attracting 20 million viewers.
After the show was cancelled in 1993, the production team wished to revamp the show. However, Judge Wapner was not informed to be back in the new “People’s Court.” He was replaced by former New York mayor Ed Koch in the new version of the series.
The current judge in the “People’s Court” show is Marilyn Milian. Regardless, people still remember Judge Wapner as the first judge who appeared in the first reality show in television. He even received his own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009.
Watch the CBS News report regarding the passing away of Judge Wapner below:
