US celebrity judge and social media personality Frank Caprio has died at the age of 88, his family confirmed.
Caprio, who had been battling pancreatic cancer, was remembered in a post on his official Instagram account for his warmth, humour, and belief in the goodness of people. His son, David Caprio, thanked supporters for their love and urged them to honour his father by spreading kindness.
Best known as the face of the hit show Caught in Providence, Caprio earned worldwide admiration for his compassion and light-hearted approach in the courtroom. Clips of his hearings, often showcasing his humour and empathy, went viral and earned him the reputation of being the “nicest judge in the world.”
The show, which was nominated for three Daytime Emmys, featured memorable moments such as Caprio inviting children to sit with him during cases. A TikTok video of his morning routine also gained millions of views.
The production company Debmar-Mercury praised his “unique brand of compassion and common sense,” saying he would be dearly missed.
Caprio served as a judge in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, before gaining television fame. In a 2019 interview, he described his courtroom as a reflection of everyday life and the challenges ordinary people face.
After his 2023 cancer diagnosis, Caprio said he was determined to fight and thanked followers for their prayers. In one of his final posts, he revealed he was back in hospital after a treatment setback.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce, along with their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
