Famous television personality Judy Sheindlin has built an extraordinary career both inside and outside of the courtroom. She is best recognized for her work on the widely popular show, “Judge Judy,” which has earned her a place in television history. Recently, Judy celebrated her birthday while reflecting on a past health scare that occurred while filming her iconic show.
Born on October 12, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Judy was raised in a Jewish family. Her parents, Ethel and Murray, played a significant role in shaping her early life. Her father worked as a dentist, and her mother managed his dental office. These influences helped instill a strong work ethic in Judy from a young age. In 1960, she graduated from James Madison High School and moved on to attend American University in Washington, D.C. She earned her undergraduate degree in 1963, setting the stage for her future career in law.
Judy’s legal journey continued at American University’s Washington College of Law, where she made history as the only female student out of 126 in her class. Afterward, she attended New York Law School, where she completed her law degree. In 1965, she passed the New York bar exam, launching her legal career.
Judy began her career as a corporate attorney for a cosmetics company but found herself dissatisfied with the role. In 1972, she shifted gears and became a prosecutor in the family court system. Her hard work and dedication soon brought her widespread recognition. In 1993, she received national attention when The Los Angeles Times profiled her in an article. This led to an appearance on the popular news program “60 Minutes,” which ultimately catapulted her into the public eye.
After serving 25 years as a judge in the family court system, Judy retired from her judicial duties in 1996. However, retirement did not mean slowing down. That same year, she transitioned to television, debuting her courtroom show, “Judge Judy,” in September. The show quickly gained popularity due to her direct, no-nonsense style and became a massive success. For over two decades, audiences tuned in to see her sharp wit and authoritative approach to resolving small-claims cases.
In March 2011, Judy experienced a frightening health incident while filming an episode of “Judge Judy.” She had a mini-stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Initially, she hesitated to seek medical help, but her experienced colleagues convinced her to get checked out. Judy was admitted to the hospital, where doctors confirmed the mini-stroke, which explained her earlier symptoms of double vision and slurred speech. Fortunately, she made a full recovery and continued to film the show for several more years.
After 25 seasons, “Judge Judy” concluded in 2021. During her time on the show, Judy became one of the highest-paid television personalities, reportedly earning $47 million per season. Despite her retirement from “Judge Judy,” she wasn’t ready to leave the spotlight entirely. At the age of 81, Judy launched a new show, “Judy Justice,” which is currently in its second season.
On a personal note, Judy has been married three times. Her current husband, Jerry Sheindlin, is also a well-known figure. The two met in a bar in what would become a fateful encounter. Their relationship has seen its ups and downs, including a divorce, but they remarried and have now been together for over 30 years.
Judy Sheindlin’s life story is one of resilience, determination, and success. From her groundbreaking legal career to her long-running television shows, she has left an indelible mark on both the courtroom and popular culture.
