Judge Wapner Returns to The People’s Court for His 90th Birthday

Judge Marilyn Milian turns things over to Judge Wapner in a Special People’s Court

On Friday, November 13, Judge Marilyn Milian welcomes Judge Joseph A. Wapner back to the bench of “The People’s Court” to litigate a special case in honor of his 90th birthday. Judge Wapner bangs the gavel on the Emmy-nominated court show that launched the entire court show genre and paved the way for a multitude of reality television shows. “The People’s Court was the original reality series featuring real litigants, real cases and real justice.

In recognition of Judge Wapner’s contributions, he will be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a star on November 12.

Wapner reflects on his experience at “The People’s Court” as a gratifying instrument of education. Wapner relished his tenure on the bench, “It was a happy marriage of my love of the law and the entertainment industry.”

According to Executive Producer, Stu Billett, “The People’s Court” was an innovator. “In 1981, a simple show featuring small claims court cases found a television audience thirsting to hear compelling stories that they could relate to and found a judge in Joseph Wapner that was fair, knowledgeable and most importantly credible. I am proud that decades later the show is still going strong and the public is still eager to see justice served!”

Judge Marilyn Milian hands over the gavel to her predecessor, Judge Wapner to litigate a special case. “Returning to ‘The People’s Court’ on the occasion of my 90th birthday is a great privilege and honor.”