When Judge Judy Sheindlin divorced her husband, she was facing a heartbreaking situation. However, their split didn’t last, and later, she revealed the reason why she decided to remarry him.
Judge Judy Sheindlin, known for her role as a television court arbitrator and her background as a prosecutor and family court judge, is married to Jerry Sheindlin, who is also a lawyer and former judge.
Judy and her husband have always supported each other in their legal careers. When Jerry, then a New York State Supreme Court judge, was offered a spot on “The People’s Court,” he turned to his wife for advice.
In an interview, he recalled, “She is the one who told me I should do it,” adding that he wouldn’t have accepted the role if Judy had any doubts.
Despite his wife’s massive success on TV, the New York native wasn’t concerned about the competition, saying, “I think that behind every great woman there is a man. […] But I also heard a rumor that behind every great man, there is a woman.”
Jerry had just started easing out of his Supreme Court role when he began taping for “The People’s Court.” His new role, presiding over about 10 cases a day for two days a week, was much lighter compared to the 150 cases he used to manage.
Jerry and Judy’s connection has always been rooted in their shared legal careers, even from the very beginning. Their first meeting happened in a bar after Jerry had just finished defending a murder case.
He was talking to a reporter when Judy walked in, pointed a finger at him, and asked, ‘And who is this?'” Jerry recalled. His response was direct, “‘Lady, get your finger out of my face.’ We’ve been together ever since.”
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend Women’s Righs in Afghanistan Benefit Gala on March 29, 1999, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
While Jerry has enjoyed watching Judy’s television success, he humorously added, “If my show takes off and I beat her, I am contacting Hollywood immediately to remake the movie ‘Sleeping With the Enemy.'”
The couple’s relationship continued to evolve with their characteristic boldness and humor. After a year together, Judy subtly suggested marriage, but Jerry had his reservations.
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend 46th Annual Spirit of Achievement Luncheon on May 1, 2000, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“Why does the government have to dictate our relationship, it’s just a piece of paper. We’re already devoted to each other, we’re already committed to each other,” he told her.
Rather than pushing the issue, Judy simply stated that if Jerry wanted them to live together, he should ask for her father’s permission. Not wanting to face her dad, Jerry made a different choice—he set a wedding date, and the two were married in 1977.
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend Merv Griffin’s Coconut Club for a special performance on January 13, 2001, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Though the pair were deeply committed to each other, their relationship faced a challenge in 1990 when they divorced. The strain came after the passing of Judy’s father, Murray Blum, which left her under immense emotional stress. However, their time apart didn’t last long, as they remarried just a year later.
Jerry reflected on that difficult period, saying, “I missed her presence the very first week that we were separated. It was the first time in years that we didn’t get to see each other every single day. It was such a strange experience.”
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin pictured down Madison Ave on January 29, 2002, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Judy acknowledged that she enjoyed being married and had missed Jerry during their time apart. To her, there’s something special about sharing life as a couple and the connection that comes with marriage.
After remarrying after their divorce, Judy opened up about the brief split in a rare interview. When asked why she chose to reunite with Jerry in 1991, she explained, “That’s a long story, but the end of the story is: I found … that most men were alike.”
The public figure went on to share her thoughts about the differences between men and women. “They have basic needs that are different from women’s,” she said.
They enjoy being taken care of, receiving affection, and having their personal space. As long as they are fed, shown love, and given room to do their own thing, they tend to be content, Judy added.
Judy and Jerry Sheindlin at the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai’s Annual Luncheon on April 13, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
She has always been candid about the dynamics of her long-lasting marriage with Jerry. In a January 2024 interview, she offered some insight into how they’ve kept their relationship strong after nearly 50 years together.
“You don’t spend 24 hours together because that’s deadly,” she explained, highlighting the importance of personal space. Judy added, “Jerry just celebrated his 90th birthday and I still like to look at him when he walks in the room—that’s a key.”
Judy and Jerry Sheindlin pictured on December 17, 2022, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Judy, now nearing her 82nd birthday on October 21, 2024, has always stressed the value of maintaining a good appearance, especially as one ages. However, when it comes to Jerry, she doesn’t need to remind him—he’s already well aware of how to stay in shape.
“He loves himself desperately. Jerry is almost ten years older than I am, but I think his goal is to outlive me. He takes very good care of himself,” said the TV star, who once had a mini-stroke during a show taping.
Judy and Jerry’s enduring bond continues to charm fans, both on and off the screen. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she uploaded a picture of the couple, which quickly drew admiration from followers.
One person commented, “You and your husband look so good together. Love [sic] your smiles,” while another added, “You look amazing. Love your down to earth [sic], common sense judgments.”
Judy Sheindlin and Jerry Sheindlin’s long-lasting relationship highlights the power of love, mutual respect, and shared humor. After nearly five decades together, their bond remains strong, proving that true companionship can endure through all of life’s challenges.
A Plus-Size Model Embraces Her Body and Silences Critics That Say She Should Get Thinner
Hunter McGrady is known as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s “curviest model ever.” But this milestone and other achievements weren’t enough to keep haters away. Now, she speaks about how she deals with them.
Meet Hunter McGrady.
Hunter McGrady is an American model and body positivity advocate renowned for her work in the fashion industry. Her breakthrough moment came in 2017. She was selected through an open casting call to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, making her debut as one of the magazine’s curviest models ever. This achievement marked a significant step in her career and highlighted her commitment to challenging conventional beauty standards.
McGrady’s influence extends beyond modeling. She is a vocal advocate for mental health, self-love, and body diversity. Through interviews, social media, and public appearances, she encourages people to embrace their bodies and reject unrealistic societal expectations.
The pivotal moment of her life.
McGrady’s career began as a model at the age of 15, during which she faced significant pressure to maintain a size two, leading to personal struggles with body image and self-acceptance. In a recent interview, she remembered that once she grasped the fact that being a slim fit wasn’t going to be her journey, she let herself live and be happy. Over time, she transitioned to plus-size modeling, finding her niche and voice in promoting body positivity and inclusivity within the fashion world.
It wasn’t an easy journey.
The Los Angeles native admitted that the road to acceptance was long, but therapy played a crucial role in her journey to self-love. She emphasized the importance of appreciating what our bodies can do rather than focusing on societal pressures to look a certain way.
“I think what Sports Illustrated is doing — celebrating all bodies — is so powerful. They’re doing the work. Especially right now when we’re entering this weird era, celebrating thinness,” McGrady noted.
But she keeps receiving negative comments about her body.
“No matter what you do, you’re going to get hate,” McGrady shrugged. “But you’re also going to get love. Negative comments or anybody who shames someone about their body? That’s so boring. Get something better to talk about.”
She emphasizes that criticism and negativity are inevitable, but so is support and appreciation. For McGrady, the act of body-shaming is tiresome and unproductive, reflecting more on the critic than the person being targeted. She encourages people to find more meaningful and positive topics of discussion, shifting focus away from superficial judgments.
Her message to plus-sized women.
McGrady stresses that self-love is the foundation of true confidence and resilience. Despite setbacks and challenges, the continuous effort to nurture self-love is crucial. Without it, external achievements and changes hold little significance.
“Confidence is not linear. It’s a climb,” she mentioned.
As the 60th-anniversary issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit hits newsstands, McGrady’s cover serves as a powerful reminder that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Through her journey and advocacy, she continues to inspire and promote a more inclusive and accepting view of beauty in the fashion industry and beyond.
Leave a Reply