Judge Judy Sheindlin, the iconic television judge known for her no-nonsense demeanor, recently opened up about her 1990 divorce from her husband, Jerry Sheindlin, in a candid interview on “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” The couple, who first married in 1978, separated after 12 years of marriage but remarried just a year later in 1991. Reflecting on the split, Judge Judy shared some insights into her views on relationships and the dynamics between men and women.
“That’s a long story, but the end of the story is: I found … that most men were alike,” she said when asked why she decided to remarry Jerry. She elaborated, “They have basic needs that are different from women’s. They like to be fed. They like to be cuddled. They like to have their alone time that you take out the alone box and leave [them] alone. And if you feed ’em and love ’em up a little bit and don’t get in their way too much, they’re happy.”
Despite the ups and downs, Judy revealed that one of the secrets to their long-lasting marriage is her continued attraction to Jerry. “He takes wonderful care of himself,” she enthused. “And I sort of like it, because he maintains that physique that I fell in love with 48 years ago.” She also praised Jerry for his sense of humor and sharp intellect, noting that they spend a lot of time together even though Jerry retired about 20 years ago.
Judy’s first marriage was to prosecutor Ronald Levy from 1964 to 1976, with whom she had two children: daughter Jamie Hartwright and son Adam Levy. When she married Jerry, she became a stepmother to his three children from a previous marriage: sons Gregory Sheindlin and Jonathan Sheindlin, and daughter Nicole Sheindlin.
The couple’s initial divorce in 1990 was largely influenced by the stress Judy endured following the death of her father, Murray Blum. However, their separation was short-lived. Jerry recalled in Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue’s 2020 book, “What Makes a Marriage Last,” that he missed Judy almost immediately. “I missed her presence the very first week that we were separated,” he said. “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.”
Judy echoed his sentiments, admitting, “I like being married. I missed him.” The couple soon reconciled and remarried in the chambers of a New York Supreme Court justice friend, who officiated the ceremony. Jerry humorously recounted the moment, saying, “To me, he says, ‘Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife forever — in good times and bad, in sickness and in health?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He looks at Judy and says, ‘Do you take this man to be your husband?’ She says, ‘Yes.’ He says, ‘In good times or bad?’ And she looks right at him and says, ‘In good times or forget it.'”
Judge Judy and Jerry have built a life together that spans over four decades, blending their families and supporting each other through various career milestones. Jerry, a former New York Supreme Court trial judge, also had a stint as a television arbitrator on “The People’s Court” from 1999 to 2001, a role he took on with Judy’s encouragement.
The couple’s enduring relationship is a testament to their mutual respect and understanding. Judy’s reflections on their marriage highlight the importance of recognizing and accommodating each other’s needs. “You don’t spend 24 hours together because that’s deadly,” she advised in a 2024 interview with E! News.
Their story is not just about the challenges they faced but also about the resilience and love that brought them back together. As they continue to navigate life side by side, their bond remains strong, underscored by humor, attraction, and a deep-seated appreciation for one another.
Source: Page Six, People, E! News
