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Televangelist Jim Bakker, who built a faith-based empire before resigning amid scandal, dies at 86
His ministry drew up to 13 million nightly viewers before scandals led to fraud convictions and prison time.
- On Monday, televangelist Jim Bakker died at age 86, his wife, Lori Bakker, announced. No cause of death was immediately disclosed.
- Bakker rose to prominence in the 1970s as co-host of "The PTL Club," which he launched with Tammy Faye Bakker, becoming a pioneer of Christian television and developing the PTL Satellite Network.
- Following his 1987 resignation after paying hush money to a church secretary, Bakker was indicted on fraud and conspiracy charges, receiving a 45-year prison sentence before his parole in 1994.
- After his release, Bakker hosted "The Jim Bakker Show" alongside Lori from Branson, Missouri. His church paid $156,000 in 2021 to settle a lawsuit over coronavirus supplement claims.
- Lori stated her husband devoted 66 years to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His life inspired portrayals by actors including Andrew Garfield and Kevin Spacey in theatrical productions.
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How Jim Bakker sent a rabbi’s son to 52 churches
This story was originally published in the Forward. Click here to get the Forward’s free email newsletters delivered to your inbox. Jim Bakker convinced me to go to church. Bakker died Monday at 86. For a stretch in the 1980s he and his wife, Tammy Faye, were on television every day, praying, singing and...
Jim Bakker, televangelist and former 'PTL' host, dies at 86
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Jim Bakker, who lost his ‘PTL Club’ televangelism empire in sex and money scandals, dies at 86 - WXXV News 25
Television evangelist Jim Bakker poses in front of the Water Park in Columbia, SC, one of the attractions at his Heritage USA, March 19, 1987. (AP Photo/Lou Krasky, File) By JIM SALTER and HALLIE GOLDEN Jim Bakker, who built a huge TV following and evangelical empire with his first wife, Tammy Faye, which later collapsed in a sex scandal and...
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Leaning Left74Leaning Right43Center165Last UpdatedBias Distribution59% Center
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