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Jim Bakker, who built ‘PTL Club’ televangelism empire, has died at 86
Compiled Oct 6
What happened
Jim Bakker died Monday at age 86, according to his second wife Lori Bakker.
The detail
He and his first wife Tammy Faye built an evangelical empire around 'The PTL Club' TV show.
The detail
Bakker was convicted of mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy and sentenced to 45 years, later reduced to eight.
The detail
He settled a 2021 lawsuit over false claims that the Silver Solution supplement could cure COVID-19.
How it unfolded
1961: Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker married and dropped out of college to start a traveling ministry. · 1965: They launched a children's show on Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network. · 1974: Bakker formed the PTL Satellite Network, whose signature show became 'The PTL Club.' · March 1987: Bakker admitted to a sexual encounter with Jessica Hahn and was forced to resign. · 1988: Bakker was indicted and later convicted on fraud and conspiracy charges. · 1992: Tammy Faye divorced Bakker while he was still in prison. · 2020: Bakker suffered a stroke.
By the numbers
86 age at death · 13 million nightly viewers · 45 years original prison sentence · 8 years reduced sentence · $156,000 settlement refunds
Still unresolved
His cause of death was not immediately clear.