Nicest Judge In The World Frank Caprio Dies At 88 After Battle With Cancer

Caprio, who had been battling pancreatic cancer since 2023, passed away peacefully, according to a statement shared on his official Instagram account, where he was remembered for his warmth, humor, and “unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”

His son, David Caprio, thanked fans for their love and support and urged everyone to “spread a little kindness” in his father’s memory.

Beloved for his compassion and humor in the courtroom, Caprio presided over thousands of cases in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, before achieving worldwide fame through his hit TV show Caught in Providence. Videos of his courtroom interactions—often filled with empathy and lighthearted moments—have garnered billions of views online, earning him the nickname “the nicest judge in the world.”

The production company behind Caught in Providence, Debmar-Mercury, praised Caprio’s “unique brand of compassion and common-sense approach,” with co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein saying, “We will miss him dearly.” The show earned three Daytime Emmy nominations during its run, while Caprio himself received two personal nominations last year.

Known for his signature courtroom style, Caprio frequently invited children to sit with him behind the bench, launched a “mini-judge” plush toy in his likeness, and even went viral on TikTok with a video of his morning routine that attracted more than 5 million views.

In a 2019 interview, Caprio described his proceedings as “a slice of life of Rhode Island that reflects the same issues people are experiencing nationwide.” After his cancer diagnosis, he vowed to “fight as hard as I can” and often thanked his 3.4 million social media followers for their prayers and support.

Judge Caprio is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce Caprio, their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.