Judge Judy

Who Is Judge Judy?

Judge Judy was the only woman in a class of 126 students at American University’s Washington College of Law, before finishing her law degree at New York Law School. New York City Mayor Ed Koch appointed her a judge in 1982, and she was profiled for her hard-hitting courtroom tactics on 60 Minutes in 1993. Her popular, long-running daytime show, Judge Judy, first appeared nationally in 1996.

Early Years And Career

Judge Judy, whose real name is Judith Susan Sheindlin, is best known for her role as a tough and fair judge on the long-running television show “Judge Judy.” Born in 1942 in Brooklyn, New York. She pursued a career in law and gained recognition for her assertiveness as a prosecutor in family court handling cases of juvenile crime, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Appointment as Judge

By 1982, Judith Sheindlin’s growing reputation for assertiveness inspired Mayor Ed Koch to appoint her to a seat as a judge in family court. As a judge, she continued to blend sympathy for the underdog with withering contempt for the arrogant or devious. Four years later, she was promoted to the position of supervising judge in the Manhattan division of the family court.

In 1990, Judy’s father, Murray Blum, died at age 70; his death took a remarkable toll on her marriage to Jerry. They divorced, but a year later, feeling the tug of family ties—aside from her two children and his three, they now had two grandchildren—along with pangs of loneliness, Judy and Jerry remarried. Afterward, she settled firmly into a renewed mission to dispense justice firmly and fairly.

Media Attraction

She gained media attention after being profiled in the Los Angeles Times and on the CBS news program “60 Minutes.” In 1996, after hearing over 20,000 cases in family court, Sheindlin retired from practicing law and transitioned to television with the debut of “Judge Judy.” The show was a huge success, reaching over 10 million viewers daily and beating out “Oprah” in some major markets.

Show ‘Judge Judy’

In September 1996, Judge Judy first debuted in national syndication. Sheindlin’s charismatic presence helped the show become an immediate hit and an enormous success. Judge Judy took the top spot for syndicated shows in February 1999.

The popularity of Judy spawned the creation of numerous other daytime court shows, including Judge Joe Brown, Judge Hatchett, and Judge Mathis. Judy has been one of the most popular midday programs, attracting over 10 million viewers every day.

Best Books

In addition to her television career, Judge Judy has authored several books including Don’t Pee On My Leg, and Tell Me It’s Raining in 1996. She has since published several more books, including the New York Times best-seller Beauty Fades, Dumb is Forever (1999), Win or Lose by How You Choose (2000) and What Would Judy Say? Be the Hero of Your Own Story (2014).

Quick Facts

  • Title: Judge Judy Biography
  • Full Name: Judith Susan Sheindlin
  • Birth Year: 1942
  • Birth Date: October 21, 1942
  • Birth State: New York
  • Birth City: Brooklyn
  • Birth Country: United States
  • Gender: Female
  • Industries: Law, Television
  • Astrological Sign: Libra
  • Schools: American University, More
  • Spouse: Jerry Sheindlin (m. 1991), Jerry Sheindlin (m. 1977–1990),
  • Ronald Levy (m. 1964–1976)
  • Net Worth: $440 million
  • Children: Adam Levy, Nicole Sheindlin, Jamie Hartwright, Jonathan Sheindlin, Gregory Sheindlin
  • Parents: Murray Blum, Ethel Blum
  • Siblings: David Blum
  • Author: Celeblifegraphy.com Editors

Quotes

  • You don’t teach morals and ethics and empathy and kindness in the schools. You teach that at home, and children learn by example.
  • I don’t mind getting my hands dirty, and I don’t mind getting to the truth of a situation and saying, ‘You’re right, you’re wrong, next case.’
  • Number one – and I want you to emblaze this on your brain – you only have one chance to make a first impression.
  • Never let anyone or anything define your value or limit your dream.