Who is Judge Judy Married To? Inside Her Lasting Marriage to Jerry Sheindlin
The Love Story: How Judge Judy Met Jerry Sheindlin
Judge Judy Sheindlin, a household name for her no-nonsense courtroom persona, has captivated viewers for decades. However, behind the TV icon lies a fascinating love story. Judy Sheindlin, born Judith Susan Blum, met her husband Jerry Sheindlin in a bar in New York City, a seemingly mundane setting for such a remarkable couple. According to their recollections, Jerry had just finished defending a high-profile murder case, and Judy—then a prosecutor—didn’t shy away from making her presence known. In a playful but bold manner, she approached Jerry, pointing her finger at him and asking, “Who is this?” Jerry’s instant response, “Lady, get your finger out of my face,” set the tone for their fiery yet enduring relationship.
They married in 1977, a union of two brilliant legal minds. Both had children from previous marriages, but together they built a blended family that remains close to this day. The Sheindlins’ relationship, though strong, faced challenges. In 1990, after the death of Judy’s father, they briefly divorced, only to reunite a year later. In a candid moment, Judy explained, “I gave Jerry an ultimatum: if you can’t support me emotionally, I’m going to divorce you.” Jerry’s response, “I dare you,” was met with swift action from Judy—papers were filed the next day. Yet, their bond proved resilient. They remarried in 1991, and have remained inseparable since.
Jerry Sheindlin: A Legal Career to Rival Judy’s
Jerry Sheindlin, much like his famous wife, boasts an impressive career in the legal world. Born in New York City in 1933, Jerry pursued law after serving in the Korean War. He earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School and eventually became a prominent figure in New York’s legal system, holding various positions, including as a U.S. administrative law judge, a criminal court judge, and ultimately a justice on the New York Supreme Court. In addition to his work on the bench, Jerry authored two legal books, Genetic Fingerprinting and Blood Trail, which are considered seminal works on forensic science and law.
Jerry’s legal journey also took a detour into the entertainment world. From 1999 to 2001, he presided over The People’s Court, following in the footsteps of Ed Koch. Jerry once stated that it was Judy who pushed him to take the role, saying, “Behind every great woman is a man—so I guess I’ll stand behind her.” Despite stepping into a similar role as his wife, Jerry never overshadowed Judy’s monumental success, always showing admiration for her achievements while building his own reputation.
Divorce and Reconciliation: How They Found Each Other Again
Their brief divorce in 1990 was a defining moment in their marriage. Judy, who was deeply affected by her father’s death, felt that Jerry wasn’t providing the emotional support she needed. In her words, “I needed to feel supported, and when that didn’t happen, I made a difficult decision.” Jerry, though initially defiant, later realized the importance of their relationship. He missed her presence within the first week of their separation. Judy also revealed that her brief foray into the dating world during their separation only confirmed that Jerry was the one for her. They remarried a year later, a testament to the strength of their bond.
The Blended Family: Children, Grandchildren, and Their Legacy
The Sheindlins are a true power couple, not only in their professional lives but also in their personal lives. Together, they share five adult children from their previous marriages. Judy had two children, Jamie and Adam Levy, with her first husband, Ronald Levy. Jerry brought three children from his first marriage: Gregory, Jonathan, and Nicole. The couple also boasts a brood of 13 grandchildren, a legacy that spans generations. Both Gregory and Nicole followed in their parents’ footsteps, attending law school, while Jonathan pursued a career in medicine.
What Keeps Their Marriage Strong?
When asked about the secret to their lasting marriage, Judy candidly admitted, “We don’t spend 24 hours a day together. That would be deadly.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining independence while still nurturing their connection. Judy has also spoken about the value of mutual respect and humor in their relationship. In a 2024 interview with E! News, she remarked, “Jerry just celebrated his 90th birthday, and I still love to look at him when he walks into a room.” She went on to joke that his well-maintained physique was part of the reason their marriage remains exciting after all these years.
Table: Judge Judy and Jerry Sheindlin’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jerry Sheindlin |
| Date of Birth | November 19, 1933 |
| Education | Brooklyn Law School (J.D.) |
| Career | Judge, Author, TV Arbitrator |
| Notable Works | Genetic Fingerprinting, Blood Trail |
| Marriage | Married to Judy Sheindlin since 1977 (divorced briefly in 1990, remarried in 1991) |
| Children | Five (Gregory, Jonathan, Nicole, Jamie, Adam) |
Quotes from Judge Judy and Jerry Sheindlin
During a 2020 interview with Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue, Jerry reflected on their relationship: “She gave me an ultimatum, and I thought, ’No way she’d go through with it.’ The next day, divorce papers were served. That’s Judy—she’s a force.” Judy, meanwhile, shared her perspective in The Ellen Show: “When we got back together, I told him, ’No more games. You’re stuck with me.’” Her strong personality, balanced with humor, shines through in these moments.
On her 90th birthday, Jerry fondly noted, “Judy hasn’t changed one bit—she’s still the woman I met all those years ago.” In turn, Judy has often expressed her admiration for Jerry, stating in a 2021 interview: “Behind every good man is a strong woman, but with us, it goes both ways.”
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Judge Judy and Jerry Sheindlin
How long have Judge Judy and Jerry Sheindlin been married?
Judge Judy and Jerry Sheindlin have been married for nearly 50 years. They first married in 1977 and, despite a brief divorce in 1990, have been together ever since.
Why did Judge Judy divorce Jerry Sheindlin?
The couple briefly divorced in 1990 following the death of Judy’s father. Judy felt emotionally unsupported during this time, leading her to make the difficult decision to separate. They reconciled a year later.
What is Jerry Sheindlin known for?
Jerry Sheindlin is a former New York Supreme Court judge and TV arbitrator. He presided over The People’s Court from 1999 to 2001 and has authored several notable legal books.
How many children do Judge Judy and Jerry Sheindlin have?
Together, they have five children from previous marriages. Judy has two children, while Jerry has three. They also have 13 grandchildren.
References:
1. people.com
2. hollywoodlife.com
3. thelist.com
4. nickiswift.com
