Judge Judy - Judge Judith Sheindlin

Judge Judith Sheindlin

Judge Judy was born on October 21, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York to German-Jewish parents Murray and Ethel Blum. Sheindlin described her father, a dentist, as "the greatest thing since sliced bread" and her mother as "a meat-and-potatoes kind of gal." It was reported in October 2012 that Sheindlin makes approximately $865,385 per episode of Judge Judy.

Judy has gained a reputation as a judge in both the family court and on television as a no-nonsense fact-finder and incisive decision-maker. Moreover, resolute in her rulings, arguments and excuses are often to no avail under Sheindlin. In line with these attributes, her program has been touted as "a show where justice is dispensed at the speed of light."

Strict in her management of the proceedings, Sheindlin coerces precise compliance of rules, even from her courtroom audience. And as result of her frequent gruff disposition, volatile temper, and saucy commentary, taglines such as "Justice with an Attitude" have been used to characterize the show. As examples of this, Sheindlin has regularly made gruff witticisms, such as "Do I have 'stupid' written over my forehead?" "I'm here because I'm smart, not because I'm young and gorgeous, although I am," "If you live to be 100, you will never be as smart as I am, sir," "This is not Let's Make a Deal and I am not Monty Hall," etc.

Sheindlin's regular locutions on the program have become known as "Judyisms." Some of these Judyisms are intended to provide a lesson, such as "Beauty fades, dumb is forever." Sheindlin uses the position as a television judge to impart "valuable" guidance, direction, and life lessons not only to her litigants, but to her viewers and public at large as well. Among examples of Sheindlin's guidance includes: get a job and be independent so you're not leaving yourself open to the possibility of putting up with someone else's mistreatment. Sheindlin has stated that the main message she wants viewers to take from her show is that people must take responsibility for their actions and do the right thing.