Los Angeles–Joseph A. Wapner, a California judge who became a widely recognized symbol of tough but fair-minded American jurisprudence during the 12 years he sat on the bench of the syndicated television show “The People’s Court,” died on Feb. 26 at his home here. He was 97.
MSTies may remember that he was parodied by Joel in a host segment in episode K18- THE MILLION EYES OF SU-MURU and appeared, in cardboard standee form, in a host segment in episode 306- TIME OF THE APES.
There goes the judge. There goes the judge. Fairwell , Your Honor.
The day started with the sad news of Bill Paxton……now, here come ‘da Judge.
I didn’t care for his ‘reality’ show, but I respected the man’s obvious talent, and charisma.
I find in favor of His Honor………..Court is adjourned. :-((
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRS62nccwmw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hIcKkKID8k
I learned about him from “Weird Al” Yankovic’s song “I Can’t Watch This” (a parody of MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This”). One of the lines was “Judge Wapner, oh my/You gotta be Rain Man to like this guy”. Later I saw a book of The Onion. A headline from 1987 was “Judge Wapner to investigate Oliver North”.
THANK YOU for those links, “goalieboy82″…….I always remember them saying that on “Laugh In”, but never knew where, exactly, it originated from.
Thanks for solving a (nearly) 50 year old ‘mystery’ for me !!! :yes:
Not being Raymond Babbitt, having a life during the afternoon and getting my underwear from Target, I confess I haven’t watched People’s Court since the 80’s/90’s, from which I assume Wapner retired years earlier.
Is Her Honor now currently that female imitation-Judy judge from the SNL Trump sketch?:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLYfwprjtog
I remember The People’s Court. Judge Wapner had infinite patience with the people before him and always knew that, TV aside, it was still a courtroom. 97 years is a long life and it was a well-lived one. Be at peace Your Honor.
He will be a judge in a higher court now. He was fun to watch on The People’s Court.
Definitely rest. Definitely in peace.
Kmart. Shorts. Qantas.