Before hosting “The People’s Court,” Wapner served for 20 years on the California Municipal and Superior Courts. He graduated in 1937 from Hollywood High School and in 1941 from the University of Southern California, where he received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. A WWII veteran, he earned a law degree from the University of Southern California in 1948.
On his 90th birthday, Wapner celebrated by trying a case on “The People’s Court” one last time. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.