Summary
Jim Bakker, a Christian television pioneer known for creating the popular show "The PTL Club" and building a large evangelical ministry, has died at age 86. His ministry ended after a scandal involving a sexual encounter and financial crimes led to his resignation and prison time.
Key Facts
- Jim Bakker was a televangelist who created "The PTL Club" with his first wife, Tammy Faye.
- The PTL Club was a very popular Christian TV show in the 1980s with up to 13 million nightly viewers.
- The Bakkers also built a Christian theme park called Heritage USA in South Carolina.
- Bakker admitted in 1987 to having a sexual encounter with church employee Jessica Hahn, leading to his resignation.
- He was later convicted of mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy related to PTL’s finances and sentenced to prison.
- Tammy Faye remained loyal to Jim Bakker throughout his public scandals.
- After release, Bakker resumed his television ministry with a new show from Branson, Missouri.
- Jim Bakker died on October 5, 2026, at age 86; the cause of death was not announced.
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