Judy Sheindlin

Judy Sheindlin, also known as Judge Judy, was born on October 21, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York City. She grew up in a Jewish family and later became a prominent television personality and retired family court judge. Judy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from American University in Washington, D.C., and then attended New York Law School where she earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1965.

After earning her Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School in 1965, Judy Sheindlin passed the New York bar examination the same year, officially becoming a lawyer. Her legal career began with a law firm in New York where she quickly gained a reputation for her ability to handle complex legal issues with poise and expertise. She would later go on to become a prosecutor in family court, reflecting her passion for justice.

In 1982, Judy Sheindlin's judicial career took a significant turn when she was appointed by New York City's Mayor Ed Koch as a judge in the family court system, specifically appointed to the Manhattan branch. She developed a reputation for being no-nonsense, direct, and results-oriented, and was described as having a zero-tolerance policy for victimization and ineptitude, setting a high standard within the legal community.

An influential article published by the Los Angeles Times in 1993 brought national attention to Judge Judy Sheindlin. The piece highlighted her unusual style, frankness, and efficiency on the bench, portraying her as a tough, no-nonsense judge who made a significant impact on the family court system. This article played a critical role in elevating her profile and eventually laid the foundation for her television career.

The courtroom television show Judge Judy, starring Judy Sheindlin, premiered on September 16, 1996. It showcased her real-life experience in family court, bringing her keen sense of justice and sharp-tongued demeanor to a national and international audience. The show became a sensation and lasted for 25 seasons, becoming a staple of American daytime television and making her a household name.

In July 2015, Judy Sheindlin was recognized as the highest-paid television personality by Forbes. By that year, her success on Judge Judy had turned her into a media icon, with earnings reportedly reaching $47 million annually. Her no-nonsense judging style captivated audiences and significantly influenced the genre of courtroom reality television. Her influence was such that she was also considered one of the most trusted figures on TV.

In May 2018, Judy Sheindlin was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame, a testament to her influence and success in television. Recognized not only for her groundbreaking role in courtroom reality television but also for her unique style that made her show a success, Sheindlin's induction celebrated her contributions to the media industry. Her show was credited with shaping how such programs were produced and delivered.

The final taping of the courtroom show Judge Judy took place on June 30, 2020. After 25 successful years on air, Judy Sheindlin decided to end the show, having cemented her place as a cultural icon and one of TV's most enduring personalities. The show showcased Judge Judy's authoritative presence and extended the reach of courtroom shows, influencing many that followed. The decision marked the end of an era in daytime television.

Following her tenure on Judge Judy, Judy Sheindlin launched a new courtroom show, Judy Justice, which premiered on November 1, 2021. The show was distributed by Amazon's streaming service, IMDb TV (now Freevee), and featured a new format but retained much of the same energy and style that made her previous show a hit. Judy Justice allowed Sheindlin to continue her work in the entertainment field and highlighted her enduring appeal.