Frank Caprio, the US celebrity judge and social media star known as the “nicest judge in the world,” has died aged 88, his family announced.
Caprio, who presided over thousands of cases during a four-decade career in Rhode Island, was celebrated for blending compassion and humour in the courtroom, often tailoring judgements to the personal circumstances of those appearing before him.
His approach, captured on the hit television programme Caught in Providence, made him a global figure, with clips from the show amassing billions of views online.
His death followed a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The news was confirmed on his official Instagram account, where he was remembered for his “warmth” and “unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”
Caprio became a household name through his televised cases, where moments of empathy and wit often went viral. On occasion, he invited children to sit with him behind the bench and even inspired a “mini-judge” soft toy made in his likeness.
One of his most popular TikTok videos, showing his morning routine — brushing his teeth, signing copies of his book and watching clips of his show — has been viewed more than 5 million times.
In a 2019 interview, Caprio said his courtroom proceedings offered “a slice of life of Rhode Island that is very interesting, and it reflects the same issues people are experiencing nationwide.”
His son, David Caprio, thanked supporters for their outpouring of love, urging them to “spread a little kindness” in his father’s memory. An Instagram statement to his 3.4 million followers described him as inspiring “countless acts of kindness” and said: “His warmth, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
During its run, Caught in Providence received three Daytime Emmy nominations, with Caprio earning two individual nominations last year. The show’s production company, Debmar-Mercury, praised his “unique brand of compassion and common sense approach.” Co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said, “We will miss him dearly.”
Caprio revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2023, telling followers he was “fully prepared to fight as hard I can.” In one of his final posts, he shared that he had returned to the hospital after a “setback” in his treatment and asked fans for their prayers.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce Caprio, along with their five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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