Joseph Wapner, who presided over The People's Court on TV, has died

LOS ANGELES — Joseph Wapner, who presided over "The People's Court" on TV, has died.

Wapner, born in 1919, was a graduate of USC and USC Law School, going on to serve more than 20 years as a judge.

On "The People's Court," Wapner served as a private judge solving disputes between individuals. He starred on the show between 1981 to 1993 and is known as one of the first reality T.V. stars. 

"Everything on the show is real," Wapner told the AP in a 1986 interview. "There's no script, no rehearsal, no retakes. Everything from beginning to end is like a real courtroom, and I personally consider each case as a trial."

He was 97 years old and is survived by his wife of 70 years.

Associated Press