judith sheindlin yacht

Judge Judy's Yacht Name Is "Triumphant Lady" and It's Pretty Darn Appropriate

Updated Oct. 21 2020, 5:59 p.m. ET

Daytime TV is a curious beast, mostly because it hardly gets as much love and media coverage as other, prime time programming that comes on our tubes after the traditional work day is done. But on the off chance we're sick or have a day off or are just chilling at home during the week, you're going to catch a wonderful episode of The Price Is Right or maybe even some real-life courtroom drama like Judge Judy . And the thing is, daytime TV earns a lot of money — just ask Judy's yacht.

Yes, Judge Judy has a yacht with an awesome name.

While it may feel like Judy Sheindlin (born Judith Susan Blum) has been on TV since forever, she was actually only on air since 1996, aka the same year that the network television premiere of Demolition Man came on. Since her show first aired, it's been a staple of daytime courtroom television and is pretty much the first program anyone ever thinks of when it comes to daytime court TV.

And over the years, the Brooklyn-born actual judge has done pretty well for herself. And by "pretty" I mean, very, very well for herself. Judge Judy continually brought in stellar ratings and the show, with its relatively low production cost for the types of ratings it was garnering on a daily basis, meant boku bucks for its star.

Judy Sheindlin managed to score herself a pretty penny over the years, securing a reported $440 million net worth. Close to half a billion dollars obviously affords the TV personality and judge some plush accommodations, like a yacht she's appropriately named the "Triumphant Lady."

When she isn't filming and laying down the law, Judge Judy can be seen chilling on her yacht in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The massive vessel was purchased for $16 million, has a glass-bottom spa pool, a gym, and even lodging for up to ten guests if she wanted to throw a party and everyone got a bit tipsy.

A few years back she was seen swimming with pigs in the water and generally having a great time.

@BeautyBind #caution nothing good comes from judge Judy..Except her old yacht. https://t.co/stnbKPDibH pic.twitter.com/jd14YVw9TB — SteveCwk (@SteveCwk) September 3, 2016

She's owned some swanky properties before too, like a $10.7 million Beverly Hills condo, but that'll happen when you earn a whipping $47 million a year, as surprising as that may be to some folks.

I had no idea Judge Judy was killing it at this level. https://t.co/zT4HumTvJI pic.twitter.com/pot2mNl8sr — southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) December 18, 2017

I think Barbara Walters starts an anecdote in her bio with how she was hanging out on Judge Judy's yacht — Slanket Goals (@slanketgoals) December 18, 2017

With $47 million a year coming in, one would think it would be hard to say goodbye to that cash cow — but it looks like Judy did it anyway. With Judge Judy coming to an end in 2021, though, Judy says she's still not ready to retire to her massive yacht just yet. Rumor has it, the 78-year-old is planning to release her new show, Judy Justice , a year after her hit show comes to an end. Where and when to watch Judy Justice has not yet been announced, although reportedly she may be heading to a streaming service.

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The Fabulous Life of Judge Judy: Multiple Estates, Celebrity BFFs, Yachts and More

The hot bench creator's has quite the enviable lifestyle.

All that crime and punishment has given Judge Judy ( Judith Susan "Judy" Sheindlin ) a life of luxury.

The Judge Judy host has accumulated wealth beyond comprehension over the years, thanks to her hit syndicated TV show and her latest show Hot Bench , which started in 2014. Sheindlin essentially has the monopoly on court TV, and it has given her a fabulous life, with a net worth estimated around an astounding $420 million.

When she's not telling plaintiffs or defendants to put on their listening ears or reminding them that "ummm" is not an answer, the judge is living the good life in private. As she celebrates her 77th birthday on October 21, we decided to celebrate Sheindlin's accomplishments and dig a little deeper into her life away from the courtroom. 

Sheindlin, who has been married three times (her current husband, Jerry Sheindlin , served as a New York State Supreme Court judge), has accumulated quite the real estate portfolio. She owns at least  six lux properties across the U.S., two in Naples, Florida; one in Greenwich, Connecticut; one in Newport, Rhode Island; one in Manhattan and one in Los Angeles. 

Here is her real estate portfolio breakdown (and this is just the surface of her expensive and A-list life!):

1. Naples: $11 million penthouse that features four bedrooms and an enclosed lagoon.

2. Naples: $8.6 million extended family friendly mansion less than a mile from the aforementioned penthouse.

3. Greenwich: $13.2 million manor that serves as her primary residence. It has nine bedrooms and sits on 12.5 acres.

4. Beverly Hills: When Sheindlin finds herself in Los Angeles, she says at her $10.7 million five-bedroom condo at The Montage. Not too shabby.

5. New York: When she needs a little city living, Sheindlin travels to her $8.5 million, four-bedroom duplex the Upper East Side's Sutton Place neighborhood.

6. Newport: In 2018, Sheindlin scooped up the $9 million home known as the "Bird House" that sits atop the highest point in the Rhode Island beach town. The breathtaking 9,719-square-foot property previously belonged to Dorrance "Dodo" Hamilton , the heiress to the Campbell Soup fortune who passed away in 2017.

The Hot Bench  creator flies to Los Angeles once or twice a month to film her signature Judge Judy , but she doesn't fly commercial. The honorable travels on her private jet to her Beverly Hills condo and then returns to the East Coast three days later. She also used to own a 152-foot-long yacht named Triumphant Lady , but she sold the $6.9 million vessel.

But Sheindlin's properties and amenities aren't the only reasons her life is so fabulous. The famous legal eagle also has notable celebrity friends, including Bette Midler and Samuel L. Jackson . She was also close with the late Brady Bunch star Florence Henderson and the late Fashion Police host Joan Rivers . And she counts RuPaul , Amy Poehler and Amy Schumer among her many, many fans—famous or otherwise.

Earlier this year, Sheindlin revealed in a New York Times Magazine interview just how she became the country's highest-paid TV host, making $47 million a year for just 52 days of filming. In as no-nonsense a way you could imagine, she enjoys a dinner every three years at the Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills with the president of CBS Television Distribution to discuss her contract. "She writes down the salary she wants, seals it in an envelope and presents it at the end of the meal," the story read. "Once, a president presented her with his own envelope, which she refused to open: 'This isn't a negotiation,' she told him. She sold the rights to the show's library to CBS in 2017 for a reported $95 million."

She really is the boss, applesauce.

(Originally published Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 1:43 p.m.)

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Digging into the Secret’s of Judy Judge’s Luxury Yacht

Judge Judy’s yacht was built by Sterling Yachts back in 1985 making it one of the older luxury yachts out there owned by a celebrity. The exterior design was handled by Bannenberg & Rowell. Both the hull and superstructure are GRP or glass-reinforced plastic, which is also something you’ll rarely find in newer superyachts which usually go for steel, aluminum and in some cases composite superstructures. That said, some sources claim the superstructure is, in fact, aluminum.

The yacht underwent a refit in 2009 to upgrade much of the interior and technology on board and make it more modern overall. 

There are some rumors that Judge Judy also sold this yacht and no longer owns it but it’s hard to confirm or deny that at this point because so many of the details surrounding yacht ownership are often kept secret and the subject to guessing and conjecture.

What’s the Name of Judge Judy’s Yacht?

Judge Judy is known for being a forceful and opinionated woman both on her syndicated TV show and in real life, so it’s not surprising she gave her yacht a powerful name as well. It’s known as the Triumphant Lady. 

How Big is Judge Judy’s Yacht?

The Triumphant Lady is a good sized yacht coming in at 155′1″. Obviously that’s not the l argest yacht on the seas but it’s still large enough that most would consider it a superyacht. The vessel also has a 26.5 foot beam and a 7.5 foot draft. The gross tonnage comes in at 532 GT.

How Much Did Judge Judy’s Yacht Cost?

Word is that Judy Judy paid $16 million for her yacht. That’s definitely pricey but nowhere near the most expensive yachts in the world. That said, Judge Judy is estimated to have a net worth in the neighborhood of $440 million, so she can certainly afford a yacht of this caliber. 

How Does a New York Family Court Judge Afford a Yacht?

Judge Judy, born Judith Susan Blum, became a lawyer back in 1965. By 1972 she was working as a prosecutor in the New York family court system until then mayor Ed Koch appointed her to the criminal court in 1982. In just four more years she was promoted again to become a supervising judge in the family court system in Manhattan. This is where she started to come to prominence as a judge most people found to be a tough, no-nonsense sort of person. 

Fast forward to the early 90s and her reputation had spread well beyond New York. A writer for the Los Angeles Times profiled her from the angle of her being tough but fair and trying to fix the court system for the good of everyday people. It struck a chord with readers and 60 Minutes went on to do a feature on her, bringing her in front of television audiences for the first time. 

Within a year of her appearance on 60 Minutes she was approached about heading her own reality court TV show which she accepted. The Judge Judy series went on to become one of the most popular shows ever with Americans watching daytime TV across 25 seasons. In the early 2000s she was making $25 million per season. By 2005 that had increased to $45 million. Given that she only worked 52 days a year, she was making $900,000 every day she went to work. And that means she was more than able to afford a yacht, a private jet, and multiple homes in places like Newport, Rhode Island, Fort Lauderdale, New York and Los Angeles,

Can you Charter Judge Judy’s Yacht?

Believe it or not you can, in fact, charter Judge Judy’s yacht for use. This is not entirely uncommon since a large luxury yacht can have annual running costs that get up to $2 million to $4 million or even more. To help offset those costs owners will often make a yacht available for charter. Thus gives both tax breaks and allows the charter fees to go towards the year’s running costs. 

Judge Judy’s Triumphant Lady can be chartered for $150,000 per week plus expenses. The cost doesn’t necessarily  change based on the season like it would for many yachts but it might based on demand.

If the rumors that Judge Judy sold her yacht are true, then it was a charter firm that picked it up and now charters it under the same name. It was reported that she may have sold it for about $7 million, which is a considerable loss compared to the initial price she seems to have paid. 

How Fast is The Triumphant Lady and What Engines Does it Have?

Judge Judy’s yacht is powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3512TA diesel engines that produce 1300 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots. The vessel has a range of 4,000  nautical miles thanks to the 51,885 liter fuel tanks.

What’s the Interior of Judge Judy’s Yacht Like?

The interior design work on the yacht was handled by Cindy Mason and Jon Bannenberg. There is room on Judge Judy’s yacht for 10 guests to stay in 5 cabins. A total of 9 crew can also be accommodated. The guest cabins consist of one master suite along with four double cabins.

The interior features soft and welcoming colors with many rooms decked out in natural wood tones, cream, gray and gold accents. There are multiple dining and lounging spaces as well as plenty of room on deck for lounging and hanging out as well.

In what qualifies as an oddly funny or maybe even ironic fact about the yacht, there is extremely limited information about any kind of standout amenities or luxury features. Given Judge Judy’s reputation for being overly harsh and serious, it’s funny to see that even her yacht seems to be overly serious. As an example, if you head to one of the website’s where you can book it for a charter the only thing listed as an amenity is air conditioning. This would normally be where things like a deck Jacuzzi, a pool, access to jet skis and so on would be listed. 

Don’t be fooled, however. A little digging and you can discover that Judge Judy does, in fact, have some luxury features on board that she and guests can enjoy.

Features and Amenities on the Judge Judy Yacht

As we said, details can be scant on what’s on board the vessel but they’re not entirely hidden. Though Judge Judy herself tends to be fairly private, the yacht is a charter so they do have to share some reasons why people might actually want to spend money renting the vessel. To that end, here are some of the features you can find on board. 

• One of the most notable features available is a glass-bottom spa pool
• To the forward part of the vessel there is a sun deck with gym access. The gym deck can be accessed via an elevator. The gym features a resistance training machine, cardio machine, free weights, exercise balls, bands and more.
• A unique design aspect not likely to be found on other yachts is the 3 story atrium with spiral staircase topped by etched glass.
• Built-in sun pads to port and starboard of the bridge
• The main salon features a lounge area for guests, a bar, and a karaoke machine.
• Towards the main aft deck you’ll find yacht tender and waverunner storage. This is where you’ll also find something of a beach club with access to a swim platform. It’s also fitted with hydraulic passerelle and barbecue

No word on how often Judy herself likes to get out on the water and play with the water toys but the yacht does have a tender garage with some items for those charter guests who like to have fun. Some of the toys available include:

• A 6.4 m (21´) Nautica tender fitted with 225 hp engines
• A 9.75 m (32´) Century FIN cabin with twin 250 hp engines outfitted for fishing/diving and more swift adventures on the water
• A pair of 2-person waverunners
• A pair of 2-person kayaks
• A large variety of towable toys that includes boards, water skis,tubes and so on.
• Full snorkel gear
• A large selection of fishing gear

The Bottom Line

The Judge Judy yacht is known as the Triumphant Lady. It was built back in 1985 but had a refit in 2009 to give it an update. The yacht is believed to have cost around $16 million. It can be chartered for the week for a cost of about $150,000 plus expenses. 

The yacht is just over 155 feet in length and it can reach a top speed of 15 knots though it cruises at around 13 knots. There is room on board to accommodate 10 guests at a time across 5 cabins, and 9 crew members at the same time.

The yacht features a variety of features and toys to help guests relax and have fun including a glass bottom pool, a variety of water toys like waverunners and water skis, and a number of sun pads and other relaxing areas to lay out on deck. 

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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Here's How Judge Judy Sheindlin Spends Her $440 Million Net Worth

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Everything we know about the james charles leaked footage, beyonce drake and these celebrities spent hundreds of millions on properties in 2023.

Judge Judy made a name for herself as a television personality on her court show Judge Judy . With a sharp tongue and a keen radar for lying, she presided over the court on her show from 1996 to 2021. She has won three Daytime Emmy Awards as well as a Lifetime Achievement Emmy, and she has amassed a net worth of about $440 million , thanks in large part to the seemingly endless loop of her episodes in syndication. A staple of hotel room television and waiting room television, Judge Judy often fades into the background of our lives; it just seems to always be on.

Well, as of 2021, fans got to see a whole lot more Judy Sheindlin, and this time it is in a fresh new outfit. Her newest courtroom show, Judy Justice, did away with some of the more antiquated courtroom traditions (like the stuffy black judicial robe; Judy can now be spotted sporting a new one colored in splashy burgundy) and features longer cases, made possible by the streaming format and not having to fit the program into half an hour segments.

Related: Why Fans Just Don't Like Judge Judy's New Show As Much As Her Old One

Not that Judy needs the money. That $440 million net worth is enough to keep her sitting pretty for the rest of her life, as well as her five children's and their families'. So where does that money go? We decided to do some investigating. Here is how Judge Judy Sheindlin spends her $440 million net worth.

Updated on March 21, 2023: Judge Judy Sheindlin has been keeping busy with her work on television. Season two of her spinoff show, Judy Justice , just wrapped its second season on March 10, closing out the season with 70 episodes.

It appears as though this award-winning series will be coming back for a third season by the end of the year, giving fans more of what they want while also allowing Sheindlin a few months reprieve to travel and enjoy quality time with her family.

8 Judy Sheindlin Owns Mansions On Mansions

Judy Sheindlin has a $50 million real estate portfolio , including at least six luxury homes across the United States: one in Naples, Florida, one in Greenwich, Connecticut, another in Newport, Rhode Island, one in Manhattan, New York and the last in Los Angeles, California.

Her $13.2 million Greenwich mansion serves as her primary residence, but she can live it up in style at one of her other homes any time she's in the mood for a change of scenery.

7 Judy Sheindlin Is A Believer In Philanthropic Work

Judy Sheindlin has an alliance called the Her Honor Mentoring Program, in which she educates and equips young women to explore career options, discover passions and goals, and ultimately reach their full potential. She wears many hats in the organization, serving as the creator, director, and spokesperson.

The program was founded in 2006 by Nicole Sheindlin , one of Judy's children. The judge loved her daughter's idea and offered to back the organization, helping it to establish a firm foundation and grow over the years.

6 Judy Sheindlin Prefers To Travel By Private Jet

Needless to say, Judge Judy is not taking Southwest flights every time she needs to travel between her homes. She is living the good life in her private jet . Once or twice a month, Sheindlin flies from Greenwich to Los Angeles to film for about three days, after which she returns to the East Coast.

Between her many properties, her five kids, and her several grandchildren, the judge travels quite frequently between the East and West Coasts.

Related: The Truth About Judge Judy's Son, Adam Levy

5 Judge Judy Pays Attorney Fees For Her Many Legal Proceedings

We do not know anyone who would want to face Judy Sheindlin in the courtroom, but that is a reality for many in her sphere. Judy Sheindlin has been involved in many legal proceedings over the years.

In the summer of 2020, she was busy suing the talent agency Rebel Entertainment for $22 million in fees that they had taken from her, alleging that they were erroneous and should not have been collected from her. Of course, Judge Judy uses only the best lawyers around, and all those attorney fees rack up quite a bill.

4 Judge Judy Spoils Her Children And Grandchildren

Judy Sheindlin is the mother to two grown children from her first marriage and stepmother to three grown children from her husband Jerry Sheindlin's previous marriage. Between the five kids, she has got 13 grandchildren, whom she reportedly spoils rotten. " I spoil them ," she admitted.

"I’m trying to think of how we don’t, but the answer is we do. We don’t even think we’re doing it, but their parents are very smart. They try to put the skids on it." Now her granddaughter Sara Rose is part of Judy Justice , offering a young person's perspective on the courtroom proceedings. Judy adores her granddaughter, which makes it fun for fans to watch how their relationship continues to grow on the show.

3 Judy Sheindlin Used To Have A Gorgeous Yacht

Though Judy Sheindlin does not own it anymore, she was once the proud owner of a 152-ft yacht named Triumphant Lady, a clever nod to its mega successful owner. She sold the yacht for $6.9 million , but it is likely a comforting thought to know that she could afford to buy another one any time the whim strikes her.

Related: Below Deck Sailing Yacht: What's Different About This Spin-Off?

2 Judy Sheindlin Has Fabulous Celebrity Friends

Judy Sheindlin counts many A-listers among her friend group, including Bette Midler, Amy Poehler, Samuel L. Jackson, RuPaul, and others. And when you have celebrity friends, you have got to entertain.

Extravagant dinners are par for the course with Judy Sheindlin, and she has no problem picking up the bill. In October 2017, a photo was shared from the late Joan Rivers' official Twitter account by the media manager, saying " Happy birthday to Joan’s great friend, Judge Judy !"

1 Judge Judy Spends Hundreds On Egg McMuffins... For Real

Judy Sheindlin does not equivocate; when she takes a stance, she comes down hard, and she has taken a firm stance on what she believes is the best breakfast food . The winner? An Egg McMuffin. She reportedly picked up the habit of grabbing this McDonald's classic every morning during her time as a family judge in Manhattan, and it has stuck!

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Judge Judy Swims with Pigs in the Bahamas for 70th Birthday Yacht Celebration

Her yacht, which she often uses to cruise around Fort Lauderdale and was bought for $16 million, boasts an amazing glass-bottom spa pool, a gym and accommodation for 10 guests!

Judy (real name Judith Sheimdlin) showed off a bikini-bod to rival today’s youth as she met the famous pigs that live on the beaches here.

Being the number one choice for Americans watching daytime TV definitely has its perks!

You go Judy!

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• Judge Judy, in a rare interview, reflects…

Judge Judy, in a rare interview, reflects on her iconic TV show as it reaches its final season

By Randy Maniloff

January 7, 2021, 9:54 am CST

Photo courtesy of CBS Television Distribution.

In 1987, Judge Judith Sheindlin of New York County Family Court terminated a couple’s parental rights to their two young children. The mother had shown no interest in raising them. Their father had been incarcerated for several years, and his release was many more away.

In issuing her opinion that the parents had neglected their children, now freeing the youngsters for adoption, Sheindlin observed that children “do not wait in a state of limbo while their parents mature.” But the judge wasn’t finished.

“The act of becoming a parent takes only seconds, but being a parent takes dedication, hard work and sacrifice.” Sheindlin’s decision, In the Matter of Kareem B. , was affirmed by New York’s highest court.

Sheindlin served for 15 years as a family court judge in Bronx County and then as supervising judge in Manhattan. Her docket included cases of child abuse, neglect, custody and juvenile crime. She stepped down in 1996 but didn’t hang up her robe. Nor did she stop speaking her mind.

Judge Sheindlin switched coasts and became known as “Judge Judy” on an afternoon television program, arbitrating small claims cases with a scalpel-sharp tongue. Her wildly successful, eponymous program is in its 25th and final season. “Judge Judy” is reality TV; however, reality prepared Sheindlin for the role.

It’s all about personal responsibility

During a nearly hourlong phone interview from her winter home in Naples, Florida, Sheindlin, 78, held court on several topics. In a warm and immensely entertaining manner, Sheindlin reflected on her program and what lies ahead.

She also had much to say about her judicial philosophy, which has not wavered in 40 years. Whether it was incarcerating a teen for committing a violent crime or resolving a dispute between roommates over an electric bill, her decisions have been based on common sense. At their core, individuals must take personal responsibility for their actions.

“I’ll give you an example,” Sheindlin offers. She takes me back to a case from 1983 that centered around a paternity test, which judges are authorized to order by statute. However, Sheindlin says, “let’s say the man does not want to appear. He does not want to be adjudicated the father, thereby avoiding the possibility of child support.” In this situation, Sheindlin explains, to her disbelief, the statute provides no remedy. Instead, judges are left to re-order the test or impose a fine on the noncompliant party.

But “there has to be a consequence,” Sheindlin insists. So, she filled the legislative void. “The very easy response is, if you fail to go, there is going to be a negative inference that the results would have been unfavorable to your position,” she says. In her opinion regarding In the Matter of Molly M. , Sheindlin wrote: “The Legislature could not have intended to render the courts impotent in the face of failure to comply with an order for the [paternity] test.”

Sheindlin does not see herself as a judicial activist. “I don’t think it’s the role of judges to legislate,” she says. “But I think it’s part of their responsibility to use common sense.”

‘Don’t pee on my leg’

I’m curious where Sheindlin developed her thinking.

We take lessons from life experiences, she explains. “To me, it was my work in the family court, where I saw so many people lacking responsibly for situations they caused, blaming it on somebody else or society as a whole.”

Sheindlin also credits a lesson from her dad. “I came home from college and my father was questioning some of my grades. I started giving him all kinds of excuses why I had not performed as expected. He looked me and said, ‘Darling, don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining.’”

That statement “really says it all,” Sheindlin tells me. “You are supposed to take responsibility for what you do in this world.”

Sheindlin borrowed her father’s admonition, which she says “should be etched on the courtroom walls,” for the title of her 1996 book, a scathing critique of the family court system.

Unlike many of her fellow family court judges, Sheindlin opened her courtroom to the press. According to Sheindlin, prior to Ed Koch becoming mayor of New York City in 1978, the family court was a “dumping ground for incompetence.” She points to a judge who could not read and other judges who came back from lunch drunk.

“I said to myself, if the press ever saw this gaggle of nincompoops … the public would be outraged. So the press was welcome in my courtroom.” They could not report the names of the juveniles, Sheindlin assures me. Her other rules: sit in the back, be quiet, no gum chewing and no reading the paper.

A woman’s road to the bench

The Brooklyn-born Sheindlin knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career as a lawyer. “I was lousy in math and chemistry,” she says laughing.

“[For] most of the young woman of my generation, their plan was to marry and have a family,” Sheindlin says. “I always felt that it would be great to be a woman who had a profession that separated you from the rest of the pack.”

The would-be judge started at American University in a joint undergraduate and law program where she was only woman in her law school class. She transferred to New York Law School after getting married. While Sheindlin says that American was “welcoming” to a rare female presence, she cannot say the same for New York Law School. She recalled a question posed to her from a professor: “Why are you taking up the seat of a man who is going to have to support a family?”

Sheindlin earned her law degree in 1965. After a couple of unfulfilling years as a corporate lawyer, and then raising a family, she had her first stint in family court, serving as a prosecutor for 10 years. In 1982, she was appointed to the bench by Koch.

Again, being a rare female presence brought out the sexism existing at the time. Sheindlin shares the story of entering a lunchroom used by criminal court judges. A judge approached her and stated: “Little girl. This a lunchroom for judges only.” While Sheindlin says that she could have introduced herself, she instead went around the room and collected paper plates and placed them in the trash. The “old codger,” Sheindlin recounts, was infuriated for being made to look like a fool in front of his colleagues.

Becoming a celebrity judge

The judge’s no-nonsense style drew the attention of the Los Angeles Times, which profiled her in 1993. Next came a segment on 60 Minutes . Sheindlin allowed the iconic news magazine to film in her courtroom, bearing witness to “a 5’2” package of attitude with a capital A,” as correspondent Morley Safer described her.

Following this exposure, Sheindlin was offered a courtroom television show. Judge Judy premiered in national syndication in 1996 and became a ratings juggernaut. Last year, the show averaged 9 million daily viewers and one in three Americans watched it.

But after 6,500 episodes and 12,500 cases, give or take, the three-time Emmy-winning program is coming to an end. The final season is now on the air, and the last episodes are being taped in Los Angeles. Sheindlin’s tough talk will live on in reruns. Next up: a show on Amazon’s IMDb streaming service.

Sheindlin is mum on the details. She’ll be a judge is all she’ll reveal. “I like to work,” Sheindlin tells me. “This will give me the opportunity … to do what I do best … I’m not going to be selling jewelry on QVC.”

“Judge Judy” is licensed in over 100 international territories. “I get mail from all over, including Zimbabwe,” Sheindlin says with a chuckle.

How do foreign audiences react to the program? Just as here. “Human emotion is the same,” Sheindlin says, “irrespective of what language you speak or where you are in the world. People like to see the right thing happen and the bad guy get a little bit of a whoopin’ once in a while.”

A 2019 New York Times Magazine feature listed Sheindlin’s 2018 salary as $47 million. Forbes recently put her net worth at $445 million.

I ask the woman who has been satirized by Saturday Night Live about her midlife adjustment from one of relative anonymity to mega-celebrity. “People [now] worried about whether or not I was comfortable. Whether I needed iced tea,” Sheindlin jokes.

Some young people, lacking life experiences, have problems with the adjustment, Sheindlin says. “[But] I was a fully cooked human being at 52. I was a wife and a mother and a grandmother a couple of times. I knew how to take care of my own home. Keep it tidy. I knew how to cook. I knew how to negotiate moving my car from alternate sides of the street.”

Surely Sheindlin has a few cases from her program that she’ll never forget. “I don’t have any from the last 25 years,” she says, to my surprise. It is the cases from her days as a family court judge that Sheindlin says she will remember.

It is those that “involved grave injustice that the system had worked on people. And because of lazy judging over the years, families and people’s lives were destroyed … Those are the cases that stay with me.”

Randy Maniloff is an attorney at White and Williams in Philadelphia and an adjunct professor at the Temple University Beasley School of Law. He runs the website CoverageOpinions.info.

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Breaking news, judge judy opens up about 25 years in the biz, her marriage and anti-maskers.

The verdict, delivered in September 1996, was swift and decisive: “Judge Judy” was a winner.

The daytime court show, presided over by a former Manhattan prosecutor and family court judge named Judith Sheindlin, struck an immediate chord with viewers, who dug Sheindlin’s tart-tongued admonishments and no-nonsense attitude, sharpened by her years in New York City’s tough judicial system.

And they’re still hooked. “Judge Judy” enters the twilight of its 25th and final season as one of the most remarkable success stories in syndicated TV history — No. 1 in its genre for 11 consecutive seasons and immune to the vanishing daytime audience migrating to multiple viewing platforms in the digital age.

The show still averages a staggering 9 million viewers a day — even in repeats.

“A silver anniversary is a big deal,” Sheindlin, 78, told The Post. “Very few shows have made it this far — not only made it, but made it and stayed on top. I’m saying this to you without ego: I never wanted to ride this show down, to be on top and [then] people sort of get tired of you … and [to] lose that feeling of being terrific and on top of your game.

“So 25 years was a great time to go.”

She’s not retiring, though. After “Judge Judy” settles its final case this spring, Sheindlin will segue to Amazon with the first-ever streaming court show. And her presence will continue to be felt via “Hot Bench,” the three-judge show she created that’s now in its seventh season — second in viewers only to “Judge Judy” on the daytime court docket.

“I still think most people — most — like order,” she said of what the show brings to fans. “They like people who follow rules, are good citizens and who act responsibly: how they discard their trash, how they put shopping carts in assigned spaces so they don’t fly away.

“When you blur the rules, when you say, ‘OK, curfew is at 10,’ and they come in at 11 and nothing happens to them, then the next day it’s midnight … then they know nobody is watching the store and there are no consequences,” she said. “And if there are no consequences, very few people have that innate clock that says, ‘I know this is wrong.'”

Sheindlin holds people accountable off the air, too.

She recently went to her hair salon, fully masked for COVID, and saw a man in the salon sans mask.

“I walked up to him and he looked at me and smiled,” she said. “I was wearing my mask with my smock on and my hair was dripping wet. I said to him, ‘Do you like ‘Judge Judy’? He said, ‘Oh yes,’ and I said, ‘Not after today,’ and I proceeded to lace into him about respecting other people and how other people are minding you by wearing a mask. I said to him, ‘You must be some kind of narcissist or there’s something that I don’t see that makes you unique and special.’

“I did my own ‘Judge Judy’ on him,” she said, “and he came back to where I was putting my hat on, with his mask on, and apologized.”

That public scolding is a rarity for Sheindlin, who keeps a relatively low profile, splitting her time between Greenwich, Connecticut, and Florida, with trips to LA to film the show. She’s been married for nearly 43 years to Jerry Sheindlin, a former New York Supreme Court trial judge who, in a twist of TV fate, replaced Ed Koch as host of “The People’s Court” from 1999 to 2001 — three years into “Judge Judy’s” run. It’s a second marriage for both, resulting in a large, closely knit extended family (including Judy’s children, Adam and Jamie, and Jerry’s children, Greg, Jonathan and Nicole).

“I think that people who enjoy life and leave the greatest legacies are people who understand … you need other things,” she said. “Even uber-celebrities … Sophia Loren’s two greatest joys were her husband of 40 years [Carlo Ponti] and her two sons. She’s iconic but I could see her making a bed and tidying up a bathroom.”

Sheindlin added, “If you have a life other than being a celebrity, you don’t dwell on it. But if that’s the only thing that’s important to you — and you lose it — then you’ve lost your life.”

Although she calls work her “anchor,” she knows when to set boundaries.

“I’ve worked less this year and delivered less shows than I did years before at my request,” she said, noting that she did 42 weeks of shows instead of 52 weeks worth this year. “I’m getting older [and] making the trip back and forth to LA is debilitating.”

Sheindlin’s deal with Amazon requires her to deliver 120 episodes by December 2021 (instead of the 260 episodes per season for “Judge Judy”); she anticipates production on the new series will start in LA in May or June.

“It’s a new adventure,” she said. “It will not have the same look as our broadcast program, I can tell you that. I think people want something different; it can’t be just changing the robe color.

“I hope [the streaming show] will be as successful [as ‘Judge Judy’] and will start a new way of living in the afternoon,” she said. “If not, will I be disappointed? A little bit — but you can’t be a jerk if you’ve had three successful careers.”

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All the homes Judge Judy owns from LA to New York

Everyone's favourite hard-talking courtroom queen, Judge Judith Sheindlin, is the highest-paid woman on US television, with an estimated net worth of $622 million (US$$440m).

The famous judge earned a whopping $67 million (US$47m) a year on her iconic show Judge Judy , and with her new show Judy Justice now on streaming platform IMDb TV, Sheindlin – and her earnings – aren't showing any signs of slowing down.

With that kind of accumulated wealth, Judge Judy has secured investments to ensure she remains well positioned long after her final episode airs.

Of course, that includes a few fabulous properties in a real estate portfolio spanning the United States from Naples, Florida to Los Angeles, California.

Her real estate portfolio is worth a reported $71 million (US$50m) but when you factor in appreciating home values, it's said to likely be worth more in the ballpark of $142 million (US$100 million).

Here are the current mansions and penthouses Judge Judy and her husband Jerry can fly to in their private jet, along with a couple of former properties they've since sold.

READ MORE: Inside former MP Joe Hockey's exceptional home with 'hidden bunker'

Property Listings

Where does judge judy live.

Judy and her husband Jerry Sheindlin's primary residence, for tax purposes is their US$8.6 million Florida mansion. However, the couple also has homes in Connecticut, California, and Rhode Island.

The huge mansion in Connecticut is said to be a true home base for the TV star.

Judge Judy's property portfolio timeline

1. greenwich, connecticut – 2007.

Judy and Jerry bought a US$13.2 million property on 12.5 acres in gorgeous Connecticut, promptly demolishing the existing home to build a sprawling manor-style compound that's said to be over 20,000 square feet. There's 10 bedrooms, 10+ bathrooms, a pool and stunning landscaped gardens. Little is known about the interiors.

This home, known as 'Judge Judy House', is said to be her true primary residence.

READ MORE: A timeline of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's $600-million property portfolio

2. Beverly Hills, California – 2013

When Sheindlin finds herself in Los Angeles, she stays at her US$10.7 million five-bedroom condo at the super swanky residences at The Montage Beverly Hills.

The corner unit has five bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, four exposures, seven small balconies and four dedicated parking spots in the underground garage.

3. New York, New York – 2013

Judge Sheindlin picked up a duplex penthouse co-op at the Rosario Candela-designed 14 Sutton Place South in Midtown East for US$8.5 million.

Features of the four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom unit include two dining rooms, a library and a wine cellar that holds up to 900 bottles.

4. Naples, Florida – 2015

In 2015 Sheindlin sold her Naples, Florida penthouse and instead bought this waterfront mansion, also in Naples. The star dropped US$8.6 million on a palatial Florida home (big enough to house her 12 grandchildren) which features eight bedrooms and nine+ baths – including a first-floor master suite – and a separate guest apartment.

The landscaped grounds include a separate guest house, gazebo and a geothermal 74-foot lagoon-style pool, with three waterfalls and a huge spa. There are also two-air conditioned three-car garages with hurricane-resistant garage doors.

5. Newport, Rhode Island – 2018

In 2018, Sheindlin scooped up this US$9 million estate known as the 'Bird House'. It sits atop the highest point in the Rhode Island beach town of Newport, many of the rooms in the huge home offer either panoramic coastline views or views of rock outcroppings and gardens.

There's a two-story entrance hall and the living room has a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace with coastal views. There are top-of-the-line features, like custom Tischler windows and doors, an elevator and radiant heated floors.

SOLD: New York Penthouse – 2010

Brooklyn native Sheindlin sold her duplex penthouse at 60 Sutton Place South with her now ex-husband, Gerald Sheindlin, for $2.25 million in 2010.

The 19th-floor of the building, the duplex penthouse features three bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Plus, there are two terraces overlooking the East River.

SOLD: New York apartment – 2013

Sheindlin paid US$6.75 million for the two bed, 2.5 bath apartment within the prestigious Sherry-Netherland hotel in 2009, then sold it in 2013 for US$8.5 million.

The Sherry-Netherland was built in 1927 and features a restored ceiling mural in the lobby based on Raphael's Vatican frescoes.

SOLD: Naples, Florida penthouse – 2015

Listed by Sheindlin for US$11 million in December 2015, this penthouse features four bedrooms and an enclosed lagoon. After the sale, Judge Judy swapped out the penthouse for a mansion in the same neighbourhood of Naples (above).

The full-service Gulf-front penthouse was originally purchased in July 2005 for US$6.9 million by the cranky judge and her current husband, Jerry Sheindlin.

READ MORE: A definitive guide to the Sydney suburbs where property is $1 million or less

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So THAT'S what was under those robes! Judge Judy wows in white halterneck bikini as she celebrates her 70th birthday

By Daily Mail Reporter

Published: 09:30 EDT, 15 November 2012 | Updated: 10:43 EDT, 15 November 2012

View comments

Television's legendary Judge Judy rang in her 70th birthday in an outfit that would rival both Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus.

During a family vacation in The Exumas last month with her husband and their five children, she showed off her ageless and lean figure in a white halterneck bikini.

The TV court show host, whose real name is Judith Sheimdlin, made an appearance on Katie Couric's new Katie show where she revealed the proud style moment and explained how she keeps such a trim figure.

Happy 70th! During a family vacation in The Exumas last month with her husband and their five children, Judge Judy showed off her lean figure in a white halterneck bikini before making the baby announcement

She told Ms Couric: 'I exercise, and I eat reasonably, and I don't want to look at myself being out of shape. That would depress me. So I just kept up a regimen.'

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The judge, who just kicked off her seventeenth season, admitted wearing a two-piece swimsuit is something she always would always do, but 'it's probably the last time it will happen,' she said.

She also chatted about swimming with pigs while on holiday, sharing personal pictures and happy moments from her birthday on October 21st, which coincided with her 37th wedding anniversary to Jerry Sheindlin.

No signs of slowing: Judge Judy, whose real name is Judith Sheimdlin, made an appearance on Katie Couric's new Katie show where she revealed the proud bikini moment

Family vacation: She also chatted about swimming with pigs while on holiday, sharing personal pictures and intimate moments from her birthday on October 21st, which coincided with her 37th wedding anniversary

Her show, which has been on air for 14 years and will run at least through 2015 , still holds the number one spot in daytime TV.

She has come a long way since being the only woman in her first year law school class, and she opened up to Ms Couric about why she chose the male-dominated profession, and how she ended becoming the leading lady of the law.

Last year she sparked fears for her health after she was rushed to the hospital from the set of her acclaimed legal show.

Taking a stand: Her courtroom show Judge Judy has been on air for 14 years and will run at least through 2015

But the fit 70-year-old, who recently launched a website called What Would Judy Say, where she dishes out advice on a variety of social issues, says she still has no plan of retiring just yet.

'I feel terrific. I still love working. I still love being in the mix of things,' she said.

Showbiz Roundup! K-Stew's sheer sexy jumpsuit & Ellen talks to Rihanna's 'her'

Share or comment on this article: Judge Judy wows in white halterneck bikini as she celebrates her 70th birthday

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Judge Judy Seals the Deal on an Iconic Newport Home

At $9 million, it's the highest sale in Rhode Island this year.

According to Rhode Island Multiple Listing Service records, this was the highest sale recorded in Rhode Island this year.

The incredibly crafted details, top-of-the-line amenities, and exquisite landscaping make this home unique.

The home features a soaring two-story entrance hall and living room with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.

And of course, the home is complete with breathtaking ocean views.

Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more. 

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Judge Judy House: A $50M Real Estate Portfolio from Beverly Hills to Florida

Judge judy 's house photos.

Updated on June 21, 2024

This straight-talk star with classy retorts has made her mark in television history. With at least two years left in her contract, Judge Judy net worth is $420 million (just imagine what Judge Judy house looks like!). Let’s enter the courtroom of Judge Judy Sheindlin and open the case of an iconic judge, delivering justice with style.

Famous for her stern judgment and controversial decisions, Judge Judy Sheindlin has been gracing the television screen for over 20 years and has won the hearts of many viewers. After over 22 seasons, the showing ratings have been climbing, gaining on average more than 10 million viewers a day, making her show a prime example of Hollywood success, according to Forbes. CBS, which owns her daytime show, has even given her an evening time show, “Judge Judy Primetime,” within the last four years, capitalizing on her popularity, charm, and rigor. According to her interview with the New York Times, she believes her show provides a fantasy for those enthusiastic about justice, giving them the ideal version of what a fair court should be in today’s world.

Where Does Judge Judy Live?

Judge Judy and her husband have a huge portfolio of mansions and penthouses that span across the United States, giving them plenty of options to live in the most beautiful homes. Let’s take a look at her portfolio and be in awe at the beauty and luxury of her mansions:

Judge Judy House Newport RI (Current)

Judge judy house naples (former), judge judy house greenwich connecticut (current), judge judy house beverly hills (current).

The day-time television star sealed the deal on a beautiful Newport, Rhode Island in July 2018. According to a news release from the Newport Daily News, the towering estate overlooking the oceanside is one of the highest in Rhode Island this year.

Judge Judy fell in love with Newport, so they purchased the notable birdhouse, originally being sold by White Sotheby International Realty.  The original owner of the mansion, Dorrance Hill Hamilton, had the estate on the market for $12.5 million. As the price decreased and after the Campbell Soup heiress passed away back in 2013, Judge Judy purchased the house for a total of $9 million, making the over 14,912 square foot mansion hers.

The six bedroom, eight bathroom home has key highlights, including a 2-story entrance hall, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, state-of-the-art technology, geothermal heating and cooling in the floors, an elevator, and multiple rooms with panoramic coastline views.

Itching for more? Check out the rest of   Judge Judy House Photos, Newport RI here!

Judge Judy purchased a mansion for $8 million in Naples after selling off her 16-floor penthouse back in December of 2015. Why Florida? Well, the climate is amazing, but the lack of income tax is amazing, too!

One notable mention is that the home is situated around beautiful white sand beaches, waterfront resorts, and beautiful wildlife in Naples, Florida. The mansion contains six bedrooms, over nine bathrooms, and includes a master suite and guest apartment.

Some of the unique highest points of the mansion include a black marble foyer, a huge staircase, and a brick gazebo painted with the scenery of white clouds and a blue sky.

Judy would go on to offload her Florida abode in March 2022 for $8.6 million.

Wanna see more photos of her Naples home? Check out the rest of   Judge Judy House Photos, Naples here!

In 2007, Judge Judy bought a massive estate in Greenwich, CT for $13.2 million. It was a 20th century home built on 12.5 acres but needed a ton of work. The Sheindlins opted to demolish the existing home to make way for a new manor-style home. It’s a reported 11,623 square feet.

Not much is known about the home’s interior, but aerial images show a long motor court with a hefty security presence. The grounds are immaculately landscaped, surrounding the castle-like mansion.

Variety reported that her property tax on the property had skyrocketed to $230,660, a result of rebuilding this incredible palace.

We’ve got more where that came from. More Judge Judy House Photos, Greenwich here!

The judge only has to appear for production of her show for about 52 days a year…so why not have a $10.7 million dollar home in Beverly Hills, near where she films?

That’s exactly what she did in 2013. Judge Judy reportedly paid $10.7 million for a 4,680 square foot, 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom unit at the swanky Montage Beverly Hills. The unit is full of top-of-the-line amenities, not least of which are the SEVEN balconies and four underground parking spaces, which make it easy for her to come and go without the hassle of paparazzi.

Is Judge Judy Real Judge?

YES! Born in Brooklyn, Judge Sheindlin attended School of Government at American University in Washington D.C. After graduating with an undergraduate degree, she went to New York Law School, where she received Masters. After practicing law in New York, she continued her education and now holds multiple Doctor of Law degrees from Elizabethtown College, New York Law School and University at Albany, SUNY.

Her first true beginning in law began when New York City Mayor Ed Koch gave her her first court position in 1982 and then made her a Manhattan family court judge in 1986.

She distinguished herself from other family court judges by introducing an “an open-court policy” which allowed the public and media to view her court proceedings, which wasn’t done at the time. In 1993 she was featured in a 60 Minutes piece, and soon, people started tuning in to her live courtroom.

It was such a huge hit, CBS offered her a TV show contract. She accepted and began the show in 1996. Although her court seen on TV now is not a “real” courtroom, her judgments are final and legally binding, terms the plaintiff and defendant must agree before being on the show.

Where Is Judge Judy?

The show is filmed at Sunset Bronson Studios in Los Angeles.

How Does the Judge Judy Show Work?

The show follows laws of arbitration, which allows legal disputes to be solved outside of the courtroom, which grants the power to solves arguments by contract. Arbitration also allows the show to behave the way it does, even if at times Judge Judy only selectively chooses her evidence and information from her plaintiffs and defendants. Arbitration and syndi-courts are not bound by rules of procedure, evidence, or even proper etiquette, which allow them to behave in any way they wish.

How Much Does Judge Judy Pay to be on Show

Both parties are paid to appear on the show, as well as have an “all expenses paid vacation to LA” of sorts. The appearance fee ranges from $100-$500, as reported by people who have been on. They also receive $35/day while in LA filming the show.

If there is a financial judgment ruled, the producers of the show cover that cost. Like in most civil cases, there is a limit as to how much can be won. The limit on Judge Judy is $5,000.

How Much Money Does Judge Judy Make A Year?

Judge Judy is raking in an estimated $47 million a year. According to Judge Judy, every three years, she sits down for a renegotiation with CBS and brings along a card with her demands.

“We go to the Grill on the Alley with the president of the company,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “We sit across the table, and I hand him the envelope and I say, ‘Don’t read it now, let’s have a nice dinner. Call me tomorrow. You want it, fine. Otherwise, I’ll produce it myself.’ That’s the negotiation.”

Judge Judy Car

Judge Judy spends her money not just on houses, but on cars. Sheindlin has been spotted driving a Bentley convertible, perhaps her fanciest car. Her Bentley convertible is known as her favorite car, even though she prefers her Lexus to drive around Los Angles.

Judge Judy Children

Judge Sheindlin is married to Judge Jerry Sheindlin, a former Judge of the Supreme Court of New York. They have a blended family making up of 5 children – four sons, Jamie, Gregory, Adam and Jonathan, and one daughter, Nicole. They also have 13 grandchildren!

Judge Judy Family

The family itself has had enormous success in the making as a powerhouse family of law and celebrity fame. Three of those children, Gregory, Nicole, and Adam, all becoming lawyers themselves.

The family, because of Judge Judy, has accumulated a fortune and gained fame, giving her children and grandchildren a future that’s bright and successful, and Judge Judy hasn’t even retired yet. Let’s hope that her career continues to be successful, her homes beautiful, and her life celebrated as one of the most famous, strict, sassy, and entertaining judges on television.

https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/24/business/media/others-fade-but-judge-judy-is-forever-at-71-she-still-presides.html

https://www.godupdates.com/judge-judy-interview-pre-tv/

https://www.forbes.com/profile/judy-sheindlin/

https://pagesix.com/2018/08/01/judge-judy-buys-9m-rhode-island-mansion/

https://www.6sqft.com/judge-judys-former-sutton-place-penthouse-with-two-terraces-asks-3m/

https://variety.com/2015/dirt/real-estalker/judge-judy-buys-and-lists-in-naples-florida-1201657389/

https://www.today.com/popculture/judge-judy-explains-why-she-s-not-retiring-any-time-t141657

http://www.newportri.com/news/20180730/judge-judy-purchases-hamilton-estate-for-9-million

http://realestate.boston.com/news/2018/08/01/judge-judy-newport-mansion-bird-house/

https://www.masslive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/07/a7b73463371986/judge-judy-buys-9-million-newp.html

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/property/2018/08/01/judge-judy-newport-mansion/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/judge-judys-47-million-salary-isnt-rules-real-judge-110081

https://beverlypress.com/2014/06/judge-judy%E2%80%99s-contributions-sustained/

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/08/how-did-judge-judy-get-her-gig/

http://www.judgejudy.com/bios

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-judge-judy-spends-her-money-2013-10

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https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/migrated/dispute/essay/syndicourtjustice.authcheckdam.pdf

.css-16urd06{margin:0;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.5;} .css-1eo6nkc{color:rgb(0, 0, 238);font-size:24px;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;} Jessica Frye

Jessica loves two things most in this world; celebrities and her dog. She can be seen walking along Venice Beach with her yellow lab mix in tow, staring off into the sky hoping that looking uninterested and deep will get her discovered. She may or may not have followed Justin Timberlake's every move back in the day but now she is content to write out her obsession for Velvet Ropes along with ghost writing novels about celebrity romance. Jessica recently decided to bring her passions to Twitter. When she's not busy writing and making plans for her celebrity life after being discovered, you can find her there.

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Who Is Judge Judy's Husband? All About Jerry Sheindlin

Judy and Jerry Sheindlin have been married since 1977

Jacqueline Weiss is a contributing writer at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2022. Her work has previously appeared in Food & Wine, Insider and Apartment Therapy.

Judge Judy Sheindlin and her husband, Jerry Sheindlin, have been together for more than 40 years.

The couple got married in 1977 and share five children from their previous marriages. In 1990, they divorced but remarried the following year.

After so many years together, Judy revealed one of the couple's secrets to a long-lasting marriage — a good physique.

"We're both very surface people when it comes to that," she told PEOPLE in 2021. "You know if you fall instantaneously for somebody that means there's a physical attraction. And people age, people they change, you can either do it gracefully or you can say, 'I give up.' "

In January 2024, Judy shared yet another secret to her and Jerry's successful relationship.

"You don't spend 24 hours together because that's deadly," she told E! News.

During a June 2024 episode of Who's Talking to Chris Wallace?, Judy said that even at 90, Jerry "still has a sense of humor [and is] still really smart and sharp."

"He takes wonderful care of himself. And I sort of like it, because he maintains that physique that I fell in love with 48 years ago," she said.

So, who is Judge Judy's husband? Here's everything to know about Jerry Sheindlin.

He is a former trial judge and author

Gerald "Jerry" Sheindlin was born on Nov. 19, 1933, in New York City. He served in the Army during the Korean War and went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Long Island University and a law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1959.

After graduating, Jerry eventually became a partner at Adlerberg & Sheindlin, where he worked as a defense attorney focused on criminal cases. In 1980, he was appointed a U.S. administrative law judge before becoming a criminal court judge in 1983. In 1986, Jerry began working as a trial judge serving the New York Supreme Court.

He has also written two books: Genetic Fingerprinting: The Law and Science of DNA Evidence and Blood Trail .

He worked as a TV arbitrator

Like his wife, Jerry has worked as a television arbitrator. He became the presiding judge on The People's Court in the fall of 1999, replacing former New York City Mayor Ed Koch .

Jerry told the Los Angeles Times in 1999 that his wife, whose series Judge Judy began in 1996, encouraged him to take the job. "She is the one who told me I should do it. If she had any reservations at all, I wouldn't have done it."

"I think that behind every great woman there is a man," he added. "So I may be behind her now, but I also heard a rumor that behind every great man there is a woman. So we'll have to wait and see how it plays out."

He presided over the show for the 1999-2000 season and a majority of the 2000-2001 season until he was replaced by Marilyn Milian , who has worked on the show ever since.

He and Judy met at a bar

The couple first met in a bar, Jerry recalled to the Los Angeles Times . "I just finished trying a murder case as a defense lawyer. She was a prosecutor. There was a reporter from the New York Post there at the bar, and I was speaking to him about the case."

"Judy came walking in and put her finger in my face and said, 'And who is this?' I said, 'Lady, get your finger out of my face.' We've been together ever since," he said.

He married Judy in 1977

Judy and Jerry got married in 1977; it was each their second marriage.

In Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue's 2020 book , What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life, Judy revealed that Jerry was hesitant about the idea of a second marriage.

"I actually had to drag him to the altar ... He had no intention of divorcing his wife, even though they had been separated for three or four years. After we were together for about a year, I said, 'I want to see your divorce in the newspaper or don't bother calling again,' " she recalled.

"I said, 'I'm not going to do that,' " Jerry added. "So she whipped out a calendar and said, 'Pick a date. Now.' "

He and Judy have a blended family

Jerry was previously married to Suzanne Rosenthal from 1965 until 1977. The exes share three children together, Gregory, Jonathan and Nicole.

Like Jerry, Judy also had children from her first marriage. She married Ronald Levy in 1964, and they welcomed daughter Jamie and son Adam together before divorcing in 1976.

Judge Judy premiered in 1996, an opportunity that allowed the couple to better support their blended family.

"I was hoping we would have a three- or four-year run and that my husband and I would be able to afford a two-bedroom apartment one block off the beach in Florida as a retirement place," she recalled to PEOPLE in November 2021 of her initial hopes for the show .

"We were civil servants. We had five kids that were all educated, most went to graduate school. We tried to see to it they weren't burdened with a lot of debt," Judy added.

Between their five children, the couple have 13 grandchildren .

He and Judy briefly got divorced in 1990

In 1990, Judy was struggling with the loss of her father and was not happy with Jerry's lack of support. In Thomas and Donahue's book, Jerry revealed what led to their brief divorce.

"She said to me, 'If you can't maneuver this, I'm going to divorce you,' " he recalled. "And I said, 'Oh, yeah? I dare you.' And the next day I got divorce papers. The next day. So, that was the end of that."

"Like they say, don't try to teach a pig to sing. It doesn't work and it just annoys the pig," Judy added.

He remarried Judy in 1991

After their divorce, Jerry shared in Thomas and Donahue's book that he missed his ex-wife almost immediately.

"I missed her presence the very first week that we were separated," he shared. "It was the first time in years that we didn't get to see each other every single day. It was such a strange experience."

"I like being married," Judy added. "I missed him."

She said yes to dinner with her ex, telling him about a bad date, and they soon remarried in the chambers of a New York Supreme Court justice friend, who officiated the ceremony.

"To me, he says, 'Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife forever — in good times and bad, in sickness and in health?' I said, 'Yes.' He looks at Judy and says, 'Do you take this man to be your husband?' She says, 'Yes.' He says, 'In good times or bad?' And she looks right at him and says, 'In good times or forget it,' " Jerry wrote.

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Amazon’s Freevee Embraces the Judy-Verse

LOS ANGELES — In 2021, Judge Judith Sheindlin, the razor-tongued court show star, decamped from the dying medium of daytime broadcast syndication and joined Amazon for a streaming-era experiment.

Fewer people were watching traditional daytime television, including programs like “Judge Judy.” Was it because they were tired of the content? Or was the decline — as Amazon suspected — more about convenience and the delivery route? To find out, the company hired Sheindlin to produce and star in a new court show, “Judy Justice,” and made it available on Freevee, a little-known, free streaming service supported by advertising.

“It was a risk,” Sheindlin recalled over lunch this month, “but one that intrigued me.”

“Judy Justice” quickly became Freevee’s No. 1 original show, racking up more than 150 million hours watched over two years, according to Amazon, and recently prompting the company to give Sheindlin, 80, two spinoff shows and a fourth unscripted show that is still under wraps. Some people inside Amazon Studios, which is in Culver City, California, have been jokingly referring to Sheindlin’s programming expansion as the Judy-Verse, a play on the interconnected stories of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As she builds a mini empire at Amazon, Sheindlin is also adding to what has become known as the Nepo-Verse. (Insert an irritated roll of her eyes about that sentence.) Nepotism has always been prevalent in Hollywood, but lately the number of actors, directors, singers and reality stars who have benefited from family connections has become startlingly large. New York magazine deemed 2022 “the year of the nepo baby.”

Sheindlin’s granddaughter Sarah Rose Levy appears as a law clerk on “Judy Justice,” which Amazon recently renewed for two more seasons. (“I’ve gotten more comfortable in front of the camera and more comfortable interrupting — in a respectful way — to share my perspective,” Levy said.) A spinoff, “Tribunal Justice,” with cases adjudicated by three legal professionals, one of whom is Sheindlin’s son Adam Levy, arrived on Freevee on June 9. New episodes will roll out each weekday through December.

The coming series “Justice on Trial” will examine landmark court cases, in part through reenactment, and feature Daniel T. Mentzer, a criminal defense lawyer in New York City who happens to be married to one of Sheindlin’s daughters. One hourlong episode will focus on the 1925 Scopes trial, in which a science teacher was prosecuted for informing students about Darwin’s theory of evolution. “More relevant today than ever,” Sheindlin said of Scopes, pointing to Florida’s ban on classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Sheindlin and Amazon declined to discuss the fourth show, which is in development for release on Freevee sometime next year.

“Judge Sheindlin is a brand,” said Lauren Anderson, the head of original programming for Amazon’s ad-supported streaming operation. “It’s not as if we are saying we want 20 other court shows. But we are always listening when she’s pitching something.”

Freevee is on a courtroom roll. The service, which used to be called IMDb TV, is also home to “Jury Duty,” a hit documentary-sitcom in which an unsuspecting man unwittingly participates in a staged trial among actors. Free, ad-supported streaming platforms — others include Pluto TV, Tubi and Roku Channel — have become one of the fastest-growing areas in media, in part because some subscription streaming services have been raising prices, prompting cost-conscious viewers to seek alternatives.

But Sheindlin remains a main attraction. As for casting family members in her shows, she suggested that anyone who didn’t like it could pound sand. “I wouldn’t bring in someone, support someone, unless they were terrific,” she said. “End of story.”

Sheindlin took a bite of rigatoni Bolognese, and this reporter tried again: Why was her son Adam the best possible option for the third “Tribunal Justice” adjudicator?

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“Look, everybody wants to be in the entertainment business — it’s glamorous,” she said. “But not everybody has the ability to connect with an audience and have legal credibility. Adam is a meticulous lawyer with a personality.”

Perhaps a “Kardashians”-style reality show could be next, a reporter offered dryly. She batted that idea away, joking that it would consist of her and her husband, Jerry Sheindlin, 89, watching “Jeopardy!” He shouts out the answers, she added, with a hint of annoyance. (He apparently also enjoys scrolling Instagram. “Horses,” she said with a sigh. “Nothing but horses.”)

“Tribunal Justice” pairs Levy, a former district attorney for Putnam County in New York, with the monarchal Justice Patricia DiMango, who stepped down from the state Supreme Court in Brooklyn in 2014, and Tanya Acker, a Yale-educated civil litigator. DiMango and Acker previously starred on “Hot Bench,” a show created by Sheindlin that continues in syndication.

“The elephant in the room is nepotism,” Levy said preemptively at the start of an interview at his Beverly Hills hotel. “If Judy was not the creator and executive producer, I would not be here. I know that. But putting that aside for a minute, I know that I am good at what I do in a courtroom.”

He continued, “I worked too hard to develop my reputation as a lawyer, as someone of substance who really does respect the law and the judicial process, to be diminished that way.”

Levy, 54, started his career in the early 1990s as a Long Island prosecutor. A decade ago, while serving as the Putnam County district attorney, he became enmeshed in a nasty feud with a local sheriff who accused him of interfering in a rape investigation. Levy denied any wrongdoing and sued for defamation. He won, with the sheriff forced to apologize for lying and pay $150,000.

The judges on most court shows do not examine piles of evidence before hearing a case. (Once you’ve adjudicated one dog-grooming incident gone wrong, you’ve sort of adjudicated them all.) Levy, however, has refused to operate that way on “Tribunal Justice,” pressing producers for voluminous paperwork and forcing DiMango and Acker to up their game, Sheindlin said.

One early “Tribunal Justice” episode featured a sunburned defendant, Brenda Biever, who was accused of absconding with $760 worth of property. Levy started out with soft questions. But his demeanor turned on a dime when he seemed to catch the plaintiff in a lie.

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“Stop!” he shouted. “You show me some evidence! Right now!”

As part of her recent deal-making with Amazon, Sheindlin will continue to star on “Judy Justice” until at least 2025, when she will be 82. Has she started to think about passing the baton?

“The short answer is yes,” she said. “But it’s not just passing a baton.” She wants her worldview to continue to be reflected, she said. “Like me, Adam is a personal responsibility person,” she said.

In a separate interview, Levy spoke about his style.

“If someone comes into a courtroom and lies or exaggerates or does something they’re not supposed to, I want to make sure they leave there embarrassed and humiliated to make it less likely they will do that again,” he said.

Sound like anybody you know?