Judge Judy Celebrates 84th Birthday and Reflects on Family and Career
The famed television judge marks her 84th birthday while transitioning away from her on-camera role and passing the gavel to the next generation.
Judy Sheindlin, widely known across the nation as the straightforward and fiery television courtroom star Judge Judy, celebrated her 84th birthday. Before achieving widespread fame through her courtroom television programs, Sheindlin was already managing a large and blended family.
Her personal life includes marriages to Ronald Levy in 1964, with whom she shares two children, Jamie Hartwright and Adam Levy, and her longtime husband Jerry Sheindlin, whom she married in 1977. Jerry brought three children from a previous marriage into the family, creating a blended household of five children. Over their nearly 50-year union, the couple has welcomed 13 grandchildren.
Although the famous television judge is stepping away from her regular on-camera appearances, her professional legacy will continue through her family members. Sheindlin announced her retirement from her current program after a remarkable 30-year run. Following her departure, her son Adam will helm a new syndication arbitration-based program titled Adam's Law, with Sheindlin serving as a producer.
Additionally, her granddaughter Sarah Rose has worked alongside her as a law clerk on Judy Justice since 2021. Discussing her son's new venture, Sheindlin praised his deep understanding and academic background in the legal field. She noted that he possesses the necessary television presence to connect with the audience.
Reflecting on her enduring marriage to Jerry Sheindlin, who previously served as a presiding judge on The People's Court and as a retired New York Supreme Court Justice, she acknowledged that their relationship experienced challenges. The couple briefly divorced in 1990 while Sheindlin coped with the death of her father and dissatisfaction with her husband's support at the time. They remarried the following year in 1991.
In a recent television special, Sheindlin praised her husband's consistent backing and mutual respect. She expressed gratitude for the life they built together and noted that they still share a joyful partnership.