Judge Joe Wapner of 'The People's Court' dies

LOS ANGELES (KTRK) -- Judge Joseph Wapner, the prolific host of "The People's Court" died Sunday. He was 97.

Wapner's show was ground-breaking at the time, bringing court proceedings to daytime television. It debuted in 1981.

Judge Joseph Wapner, former host of the television series "The People's Court" left, is praised by attorney Harvey Levin, right, who worked with Wapner on the show.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

If you're viewing on our ABC13 news app, tap on the photo above to see more images.

It would open the floodgates of television shows to feature courtrooms. That trend continues today with no fewer that four that are currently in production, some nearly 35 years later.

Wapner was an actual judge before moving to television. His son would also become a judge, serving on the bench. Frederick N. Wapner enrobed as a Municipal Court judge in Los Angeles in 1989.

IN MEMORIAM: Celebrities and notable figures who have recently passed away

1 of 125

In this Feb. 10, 2012 file photo, actor Max von Sydow poses at the International Film Festival Berlinale, in Berlin.

AP Photo/Gero Breloer, File

If you're viewing on our ABC13 news app, tap on the photo above to see more images.