RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
#1
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
http://www.tmz.com/2017/02/26/joseph...peoples-court/
I watched People's Court on and off as a kid in the 80's and remember Wapner quite well. He always made the show entertaining.
Joseph Wapner, the retired judge who literally changed television as the judge on "The People's Court," has died ... TMZ has learned.
Wapner became an instant sensation when the show debuted in September, 1981. "The People's Court" was the first TV reality show, and it opened the door to many more, including a slew of TV court shows.
He was opinionated, passionate and irascible as he heard thousands of cases during his 12-year run.
The show became a touchpoint for pop culture. It was parodied on "Saturday Night Live" and many other shows. Dustin Hoffman's "3 minutes to Wapner" in "Rain Man" became an iconic expression.
Before becoming a TV judge, Wapner served as an L.A. County Superior Court judge for 20 years.
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.
Judge Wapner was married to wife Mickey for 70 years. He had 3 kids.
Joseph Wapner was 97.
RIP
Wapner became an instant sensation when the show debuted in September, 1981. "The People's Court" was the first TV reality show, and it opened the door to many more, including a slew of TV court shows.
He was opinionated, passionate and irascible as he heard thousands of cases during his 12-year run.
The show became a touchpoint for pop culture. It was parodied on "Saturday Night Live" and many other shows. Dustin Hoffman's "3 minutes to Wapner" in "Rain Man" became an iconic expression.
Before becoming a TV judge, Wapner served as an L.A. County Superior Court judge for 20 years.
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.
Judge Wapner was married to wife Mickey for 70 years. He had 3 kids.
Joseph Wapner was 97.
RIP
I watched People's Court on and off as a kid in the 80's and remember Wapner quite well. He always made the show entertaining.
#3
DVD Talk Hero
Re: RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
People's Court was huge in the 1980s. I remember Wapner getting endlessly spoofed and homaged on comedy programs. I would wager most Millennials barely recognize him.
#4
DVD Talk Legend
Re: RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
He was the only one his kind I was able to stomach watching. Judy and the others, puke. His banter with the bailiff was gold. RIP your honor.
#7
Senior Member
Re: RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
I remember a scene from People's Court on a blooper show. The dispute concerned a grandfather-type clock, only about 3 feet tall. The baliff brought it into the courtroom and dropped it ... CRASH! DING DONG! Wapner facetiously said to the owner, "I assume that wasn't very valuable."
Last edited by digidoh; 02-26-17 at 05:37 PM. Reason: Grammar?
#8
DVD Talk Legend
Re: RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
He seemed like a real class act, unlike many of today's shrill, bombastic TV judges (actually, only Judy is truly insufferable, of the current crop).
#9
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
Loved him in Independence Day. RIP.
#10
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
Oh, that Judge Wapner.
#11
DVD Talk Hero
Re: RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
In this PC world I'm going to miss Judge Italian-ner.
#12
DVD Talk Hero
Re: RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
I remember a scene from People's Court on a blooper show. The dispute concerned a grandfather-type clock, only about 3 feet tall. The baliff brought it into the courtroom and dropped it ... CRASH! DING DONG! Wapner facetiously said to the owner, "I assume that wasn't very valuable."
Was that Rusty the bailiff?
#14
Re: RIP Judge Joseph Wapner from The People's Court
I wonder if this news is something friends of Dustin Hoffman called him about.