Longtime announcer Jerry Bishop dies at 84

Jerry Bishop, the off-camera announcer for "Judge Judy" since the show started 24 years ago, died April 21 of heart complications and kidney failure, according to his grand-daughter. Bishop, who enjoyed a long career in LA as a radio personality for various MOR radio stations, was 84 years old.

According to his granddaughter, Bishop signed on as announcer for 'Judge Judy' with the very first show 24 years ago, and did his last 'voiceover' a couple of weeks ago, before entering the hospital. The final season of the show is scheduled for the 2020-21 season.

Said Judge Judy upon hearing of Bishop's death, "His voice was powerful, soothing, and caring, which are three qualities he embodied so well. Everybody loved him. He had a golden heart and generous spirit. I adored him and will miss him."