Before there was Judge Judy, there was Judge Wapner. "The People's Court" paved the way for all the other courtroom reality shows. Judge Wapner was always a favorite.

Joseph Wapner died Sunday morning, February 26 in hospice care. According to TMZ.com:

He was hospitalized last week with breathing problems and his condition worsened, to the point he was taken to his West L.A. home Friday under hospice care.  He died Sunday morning.

Wapner is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mickey, and two sons. His daugther, Sarah died in 2015.

 

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