Jim Bakker, Televangelism Icon, Dies at 86 After Scandal-Stricken Career

Jim Bakker, once a TV evangelism giant, dies at 86 after sex and fraud scandals. His legacy remains complex.

October 7, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — Jim Bakker, the televangelist who built an evangelical empire with his wife Tammy Faye, has died at 86. His career, marked by both immense popularity and scandal, left a lasting impact on American religious broadcasting.

Bakker rose to fame in the 1980s with the highly popular “The PTL Club” TV show, which drew millions of viewers. However, his career was later tarnished by a sex scandal and financial crimes that led to his imprisonment. Despite these challenges, he continued to be a figure of interest in religious and media circles.

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The former television evangelist, known for his charismatic presence and the massive reach of his ministry, passed away after a long battle with health issues. His life and career remain a subject of discussion among historians and fans of Christian television.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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