Judge Joseph Wapner passes
Reality TV’s first celebrity judge, Joseph Wapner, of People’s Court fame has passed at the tender age of 97. Of course, he’s featured here because, like most of his generation, he was a veteran of World War II. According to Wiki; “Wapner was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star while serving in the South Pacific in Cebu. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army as a lieutenant.”
From the New York Daily News;
Wapner debuted on the show in 1981 and remained on “The People’s Court” for 12 years, longer than any other judge in its history. He oversaw real small claims cases using a tough but fair approach, cutting short all nonsense and bickering he saw from the bench.
The show became an instant hit, and opened the door for the new genre of reality court programs that continues today.
Wapner stepped down from “The People’s Court” in 1993, after nearly 2,500 episodes.
Thanks to Bobo for the link.
Category: Veterans in the news
Fair winds and following seas, Judge.
Amen, I liked watching his court, a wise man!
Rest In Peace, Brother.
Rest in peace Sir.
2500??? That’s an insane number of stupid people to put up with.
A candidate for instant sainthood, if ever there was one.
Rest easy, Lieutenant.
Yes, agree with you 100%. Not that we need reminding how many abjectly ingnorant people inhabit our country.
Rest In Peace LT.
that was 2500 episodes, with what – 2-3 cases per show, each with plaintiff and defendants – more like 10,000-15,000 knuckleheads. Man must have had the tolerance of a saint.
Rest well, Judge.
And make sure you lean on those Posers as they try to bluff their way through those gates.
Watched him with my grandma religiously up to my enlistment in 1989. RIP Sir!
Wow – remember watching the show back in the 80’s. A professional on the bench and seemed to run a tight courtroom on TV.
I’m guessing that he never lost his license to practice law like a certain disbarred, Non-CPO that we all know and despise.
Uh oh! Wapner!
Rainman hardest hit…
Another Elder Warrior passes into Valhalla.
It may have changed recently ( haven’t really kept up with it), But the ” Judge” Shows seem to be the only place on TV where special snowflakes, thugs and smart-alecks get their asses handed to them.
Rest in peace Judge.
A real judge. I used to point to Judge Wapner when explaining what small claims court was like. Now, I say Judge Judy, except the judge is likely to be more polite and professional. Rest In Peace, Judge Wapner.
Until Valhalla warrior.
RIP, Judge. Say hi to Rusty for me.
Another fine example of a man who went to war, came home, and got on with living.