Judge Frank Caprio, the compassionate jurist who rose to international fame through his reality court show Caught in Providence, has passed away at the age of 88 following a long and brave fight with pancreatic cancer. His death was confirmed in a statement shared on his Instagram account, with his family announcing that he died peacefully on August 20, 2025.
Known widely as the “Nicest Judge in the World,” Caprio was renowned for his empathetic and fair approach in the courtroom. His judicial decisions, often marked by kindness and understanding, touched millions globally. Viral videos from his court sessions, where he dismissed tickets for struggling families or offered encouraging words, accumulated over a billion views online, exemplifying his belief that justice must be delivered with fairness, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Caprio served as a municipal judge for decades before his courtroom became a television sensation. Caught in Providence, airing nationally from 2018 to 2020 and earning multiple Daytime Emmy nominations, showcased his unique judicial philosophy and warmth.
Throughout his public battle with pancreatic cancer, Judge Caprio shared updates openly with his followers, exuding courage and optimism despite the challenges. Just a day before he passed, he asked for prayers from his supporters during a particularly difficult phase of his illness.
