Frank Caprio, the widely admired celebrity judge and social media sensation, has passed away at the age of 88, his family confirmed.
Over four decades serving the people of Providence, Rhode Island, Judge Caprio became renowned for his compassionate and humorous approach to justice—often tailoring his rulings to reflect the personal struggles of those who stood before him.
His courtroom became a global stage through the hit television series Caught in Providence, which amassed billions of views online. The show’s viral clips earned him the affectionate nickname “the nicest judge in the world.”
Caprio’s death followed a battle with pancreatic cancer, as announced on his official Instagram account. The tribute highlighted his “warmth” and “unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”
Before his rise to television fame, Judge Caprio presided over thousands of cases in his hometown. His signature style—inviting children to join him behind the bench, launching a “mini-judge” plush toy, and sharing candid moments—made him a viral favorite.
One TikTok video of his morning routine, featuring tooth brushing and watching his own show, drew over 5 million views.
In a 2019 interview, Caprio reflected on his work, saying his courtroom offered “a slice of life of Rhode Island” that resonated with people across the country.
His son, David Caprio, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and encouraged others to honor his father’s legacy by “spreading a little kindness.”