Who was Jimmy Swaggart? Televangelist brought down by prostitution scandals dies at 90
Jimmy Swaggart, a once-prominent Pentecostal televangelist whose multimillion-dollar ministry was rocked by prostitution scandals, has died at 90. His death was announced Tuesday on his public Facebook page; no cause was given.
A fiery preacher and gospel musician from Louisiana, Swaggart rose to national fame in the 1980s, drawing millions of viewers and raising over $140 million a year through Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. But his career imploded in 1988 after he was photographed with a prostitute—followed by a tearful confession and resignation from the Assemblies of God.
Despite further scandal in 1991 and a shrinking audience, Swaggart continued preaching from his Baton Rouge church, often alongside his son Donnie, and maintained a global presence online and on radio. Known for his controversial sermons and musical roots shared with cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley, Swaggart’s legacy remains a symbol of both the power and pitfalls of televangelism.
Early life and background
- Born: March 15, 1935, Ferriday, Louisiana
- Grew up poor in a devout Pentecostal family known for its musical talent.
- His cousins included rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis and country singer Mickey Gilley.
- Swaggart said he first felt a call to preach at age 8.
- He worked in oil fields while preaching part time until he devoted himself fully to ministry in his early 20s.
Building a media empire
Swaggart began with revival meetings, gospel performances, and radio broadcasts.
He launched a magazine and then moved into television evangelism, where he became nationally famous.
- Jimmy Swaggart Ministries employed hundreds of staff.
- His television programs aired across the U.S. and internationally.
- The ministry took in an estimated $142 million in annual revenue.
- His sermons were often fiery and controversial.
- He denounced Catholicism as a “false religion.”
- He blamed Jewish suffering on the rejection of Christ.
- He frequently attacked other preachers and social changes he opposed.
Scandals and downfall
Swaggart publicly criticised rival preachers for sexual misconduct, which led to bitter feuds.
1988: A private investigator hired by one of those rivals photographed Swaggart with a prostitute in New Orleans.
In a tearful televised confession, he declared, “I have sinned against you.”
The Assemblies of God defrocked him after he refused to undergo a two-year rehabilitation and suspension.
He resigned rather than submit, saying he had to protect his ministry and college.
1991: He was again caught with another prostitute in California.
These scandals caused his ministry’s donations and viewership to collapse.
Swaggart paid rival preacher Marvin Gorman $1.8 million to settle a defamation lawsuit over prior accusations.
