Jim Bakker, Televangelist and PTL Club Co-Founder, Passes Away at 86
Minister and televangelist, Jim Bakker, who co-founded the PTL Club alongside his wife Tammy Faye Bakker, passed away at the age of 86. The PTL Club, which peaked in viewership with 13 million nightly TV viewers during its height in the mid-1980s, made the Bakkers household names.
The PTL Club, a Christian-based television program, became a cultural phenomenon, frequently being targeted by late-night comedians and parodied on "Saturday Night Live" in the 1980s and 1990s.
However, the Bakkers' lives took a tumultuous turn in the late 1980s when Jim Bakker faced sexual misconduct charges and money laundering allegations. The scandal not only tarnished the Bakkers' reputation but also resulted in the closure of the PTL Club.
Jim Bakker, who was born on February 12, 1939, in Iowa, went on to found the Heritage USA Christian theme park in North Carolina after the PTL Club's downfall.
Despite the setbacks, Bakker continued to engage in religious broadcasting, hosting various programs throughout the years. His wife Tammy Faye Bakker passed away in 2007.
The Jim Bakker Show, which aired from 1994 to 2015, was one of his later endeavors in the religious broadcasting field.
Bakker's death comes as a result of natural causes, according to a statement released by his family.
The Jim Bakker Show, which aired from 1994 to 2015, was one of his later endeavors in the religious broadcasting field.
Bakker's death is said to have resulted from natural causes, as stated in a release from his family.
The Jim Bakker Show
- Launched in 1994, The Jim Bakker Show was a religious broadcasting platform where Bakker continued to share his message.
- The show aired for 21 years before concluding in 2015.
The PTL Club and Heritage USA
- The PTL Club, Jim Bakker's former television program, was a popular Christian-themed show that aired from 1974 to 1987.
- After the PTL Club's closure, Bakker and his wife Tammy Faye Bakker founded Heritage USA, a Christian theme park, which operated from 1987 to 1999.
Jim Bakker's Legacy
- Jim Bakker, born on February 12, 1939, in Iowa, gained prominence through his Christian broadcasting career.
- Bakker's downfall began in the late 1980s when he faced legal troubles due to financial scandals and sexual misconduct.
Family Statement
A statement from Jim Bakker's family announced his passing due to natural causes.
The Jim Bakker Show, which aired for 21 years, concluded in 2015.
After the PTL Club's closure, Jim Bakker and his wife Tammy Faye Bakker established Heritage USA, a Christian theme park, which operated from 1987 to 1999.
<small>Source: PBS NewsHour — read the original story there.</small>
