US celebrity judge and social media sensation Frank Caprio has died at the age of 88, his family announced.
The beloved TV personality, known as the “nicest judge in the world,” passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer. News of his death was shared on his official Instagram account, where he was remembered for his warmth, humor, and unwavering belief in people’s goodness.
His son, David Caprio, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support and urged people to honor his father by “spreading a little kindness.”
Judge Caprio rose to fame presiding over cases in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, on his hit show Caught in Providence. His compassionate and lighthearted courtroom style went viral, with clips earning billions of views and countless admirers worldwide.
Debmar-Mercury, the company behind the show, praised his “unique brand of compassion and common-sense approach,” saying, “We will miss him dearly.” During its run, Caught in Providence earned three Daytime Emmy nominations, with Caprio personally receiving two last year.
Known for inviting children to sit behind the bench and even releasing a “mini-judge” plush toy, Caprio’s signature approach reflected his belief in fairness and humanity. A TikTok video of his morning routine — brushing his teeth, signing his book, and watching his own show — has been viewed more than 5 million times.
In a 2019 interview, he described his court as “a slice of life of Rhode Island that reflects issues people face nationwide.” Even after his diagnosis in 2023, Caprio vowed to “fight as hard as I can” and frequently thanked followers for their support. In one of his last posts, he shared that he had returned to the hospital after a setback and asked for prayers.
Judge Caprio is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce, their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
