Judge Frank Caprio Dies Aged 88
Often referred to as “the nicest judge in the world”, his courtroom clips earned billions of views online.
Frank Caprio, the kind-hearted TV judge known for his compassionate courtroom style, has died at the age of 88. His family confirmed his passing following a fight with pancreatic cancer. Caprio gained national and international fame through his show 'Caught in Providence', where his warm, humorous, and understanding approach to justice made him a viral sensation. Often referred to as “the nicest judge in the world”, his courtroom clips earned billions of views online.
The news of his death was shared on his official Instagram account, where he was remembered for inspiring “countless acts of kindness” and leaving “an indelible mark on all who knew him.” His son, David Caprio, thanked fans for their support and encouraged them to “spread a little kindness” in his memory. Caprio served for decades as a judge in Providence, Rhode Island, before his courtroom was brought to television. The show’s producers, Debmar-Mercury, praised his unique blend of compassion and common sense. 'Caught in Providence' earned three Daytime Emmy nominations, with Caprio receiving two personal nods in 2024.
Beyond the courtroom, Caprio embraced his popularity on social media. A TikTok of his morning routine went viral with over 5 million views. In 2019, he said his court reflected real-life issues familiar to people nationwide. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023, he told followers he was “fully prepared to fight” and continued to share updates throughout his treatment. In one of his final messages, he asked fans for prayers after a setback in his health.