Renowned TV personality Judy Sheindlin, famously known for her role on the hit show “Judge Judy,” has had an incredible career both in and out of the courtroom. Recently, as she celebrated her birthday, she took a moment to reflect on a scary health scare that happened while filming her show.
Judy was born on October 12, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish parents Ethel and Murray. Growing up, her mother worked as an office manager, and her father was a dentist. Judy completed high school at James Madison High School in 1960 and then graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., in 1963.
Her journey into law began when she attended American University’s Washington College of Law, where she stood out as the only female student among 126 classmates. “Being the only woman there was tough, but I was determined to succeed,” Judy often recalls. After that, she earned her law degree from New York Law School and passed the New York bar exam in 1965.
Judy started her career as a corporate lawyer for a beauty company but soon became unhappy. “I needed something more fulfilling,” she said. In 1972, she decided to make a change and became a prosecutor, where she began to gain recognition. Her rise to fame kicked off with a feature in The Los Angeles Times in 1993, followed by an appearance on “60 Minutes,” which brought her into the spotlight.
After a successful 25-year career as a judge, Judy retired in 1996 and launched her own television show, “Judge Judy,” that September. Her no-nonsense approach and straightforward style quickly made her a favorite among viewers.
However, in March 2011, while filming on set, Judy faced a serious health scare. She experienced troubling symptoms that turned out to be a mini-stroke. At first, she didn’t want to call for help, but her loyal colleagues insisted. “Judy, you need to see a doctor,” they urged.
This led to her hospitalization, where doctors diagnosed her with a possible transient ischemic attack, which had caused her double vision and slowed speech earlier that day.
“Judge Judy” wrapped up in 2021 after an incredible 25-season run. During her time on the show, Judy became one of the highest-paid TV hosts, earning an astonishing $47 million per season. Now at 81, she has embarked on a new project called “Judy Justice,” which is currently in its second season.
Throughout her life, Judy has been married three times. Her current husband, Jerry Sheindlin, is someone she met in a memorable encounter at a bar. Their first meeting sparked a deep connection, and they married, divorced, and then remarried, proving that their love is as strong as ever. Now, they have been happily together for over thirty years, showing that true love can endure through thick and thin.
