Jerry Bishop, the long serving announcer on legal reality show Judge Judy, has died at the age of 84.
Show star Judge Judy Sheindlin, 77, shared the news and expressed her sorrow over her loss in a heartfelt tribute.
TMZ reports that Jerry died of heart disease on Tuesday and leaves behind a legacy of work spanning decades with appearances, voiceover work and acting roles in a wide range of projects.
Jerry also had a long career in radio and was the voice of drive time on Los Angeles radio stations including KFI, KIIS and KLAC between the 1960s and ’80s.
Announcing her sadness, Judy said in a statement: ”Jerry Bishop has been the voice of our program for 24 years. Everybody loved him.”
She continued: “He had a golden heart and generous spirit.”
She added: “I adored him and will miss him."
Jerry was born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1935 and earned a degree in broadcast journalism at Emmerson College in the 1950s.
He performed voiceover work in advertising as well as on TV shows and collaborated with brands including Miller Coors, Budweiser and Burger King.
While his soft voice was also heard while he worked as an announcer for the Disney Channel for 15 years.
Jerry was married for 51 years until the death of his wife, Velma, in 2007.
He leaves behind daughters Karen, Michelle and Stephanie as well as three grandchildren, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Family have noted that those wishing to pay tribute to Jerry should make donations to Jewish community centre Chabad if Bel Air in Los Angeles.
