Judge Joseph Wapner has died at his home in Los Angeles.
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The retired judge and beloved, television personality was 97.
Gabriel Wapner, the former "The People's Court" judge's grandson, confirmed the death to The Washington Post on Sunday.
The elder Wapner presided over the syndicated reality court series from 1981-93. Judge Marilyn Milian currently serves as "The People's Court's" presiding judge.
TMZ reported the judge was hospitalized last week with breathing problems.
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His condition worsened and he returned home Friday under hospice care, dying Sunday morning.
He is survived by Mickey, his wife of 70 years. They are the parents of three children.