Famous TV personality Judy Sheindlin has enjoyed a remarkable career, both in the courtroom and on television. Best known for her role on the hit show *Judge Judy*, she recently marked her birthday, reflecting on a health scare that occurred while she was filming.
Born on October 12, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Judy grew up in a Jewish household with her parents, Ethel and Murray. Her father was a dentist, and her mother managed his office, both shaping her early ambitions. She graduated from James Madison High School in 1960, then attended American University in Washington, D.C., earning her degree in 1963.
Judy’s legal journey began at American University’s Washington College of Law, where she was the only woman in a class of 126. She later transferred to New York Law School, graduating with her law degree and passing the New York bar in 1965.
Initially, Judy worked as a corporate attorney for a cosmetics company, but left to pursue a more fulfilling career, joining the prosecution team in 1972. Her big break came in 1993, thanks to a feature in *The Los Angeles Times* and an appearance on *60 Minutes*, which spotlighted her no-nonsense legal style.
After serving as a judge for 25 years, Judy retired in 1996 and transitioned to television. In September of that year, she launched the *Judge Judy* show, quickly becoming a TV sensation known for her direct approach.
In March 2011, Judy experienced a health scare on set—a mini-stroke. Initially reluctant to get help, she was encouraged by colleagues to seek medical care. She was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack, evidenced by double vision and slowed speech earlier in the day.
After an incredible 25 seasons, *Judge Judy* wrapped up in 2021. As one of television’s highest-paid hosts, she earned $47 million per season. At 81, she began a new project, *Judy Justice*, now in its second season.
In her personal life, Judy has been married three times, all to the same man—Jerry Sheindlin. The couple met in a bar, sparking a relationship that led to marriage, a brief divorce, remarriage, and over three decades together.