Judge Greg Mathis Biography: Age, Spouse, Movies, TV Shows, Education, Net Worth, Books, Awards, Children

---

Judge Greg Mathis is a prominent television personality, former district court judge, and motivational speaker known for his long-running courtroom show, Judge Mathis.

Born Gregory Ellis Mathis on April 5, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan, he rose to fame as the youngest elected judge in Michigan’s history.

Mathis’s journey from a troubled youth involved in gang activity to a respected judge and television star is both inspiring and impactful.

His show, which premiered in 1999, has become one of the longest-running court programs on television, showcasing real-life cases and emphasizing themes of personal responsibility and redemption.

Profile

• Full name: Gregory Ellis Mathis
• Nickname: Judge Mathis
• Date of birth: April 5, 1960
• Age: 65 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Television personality, former judge, author
• Height: 1.78 m
• Parents: Alice Lee Mathis
• Siblings: Ken, Ron, and his late brother Steve
• Spouse: Linda Reese Mathis
• Children: Camara Mathis, Gregory Mathis Jr., Amir Mathis, Jade Mathis
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: African American
• Net worth: $25 million

Early Life and Education

Greg Mathis is now at the age of 65. He was born on April 5, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. Raised by his mother, Alice Lee Mathis, after his father abandoned the family when he was young, Greg faced numerous challenges during his childhood.

He grew up in a tough neighborhood and became involved with the Errol Flynns gang at the age of 15. This involvement led to a series of run-ins with the law, including arrests for various offenses.

Mathis attended several schools during his early education, including Herman Gardens Elementary School and Wayne Memorial High School. However, he struggled academically and dropped out. At the age of 17, he was arrested on a concealed weapons charge and spent time in Wayne County Jail.

During this period, he had a transformative experience when Judge Charles Kaufman offered him a choice between prison or earning his General Educational Development (GED). He chose to pursue his GED while on juvenile probation.

Personal Life

Greg Mathis married Linda Reese on June 1, 1985. The couple met while attending Eastern Michigan University and developed a strong bond that has lasted through the years.

Together they have four children: Camara (born October 1987), Gregory Jr. (born January 1989), Amir (born July 1990), and Jade (born May 1995). The family has often been featured in media appearances alongside Judge Mathis.

In August 2024, it was reported that Greg and Linda had separated after nearly four decades of marriage. Despite this change in their relationship status, both have emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their children and maintaining a positive family dynamic.

Career

Greg Mathis’s career began with significant challenges due to his troubled youth. After earning his GED and completing law school at the University of Detroit Mercy, he became an attorney in private practice before running for a judgeship.

In 1994, he was elected as a judge for Michigan’s 36th District Court at the age of 34, making him the youngest person to hold that position at the time.

In addition to presiding over cases in court for three years from 1995 to 1998, Judge Mathis became known for his approachable demeanor and commitment to helping individuals navigate their legal issues. His experiences as a young man influenced his approach to judging; he often sought to provide guidance to young people facing similar challenges.

In September 1999, Judge Mathis transitioned into television with the launch of Judge Mathis, an arbitration-based reality court show that features real-life small claims cases.

The show quickly gained popularity due to its engaging format and Judge Mathis’s ability to connect with audiences while addressing serious legal matters. Over its run until May 2023, Judge Mathis produced over 3,000 episodes and received multiple awards for its contributions to daytime television.

Awards

• Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program (2018)
• NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News/Information Series (2004)
• PRISM Commendation for inspirational messages to young people (2002)
• Man of the Year Award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (1995)
• Honorary Doctorates from Florida A&M University and Eastern Michigan University

Net Worth

Judge Greg Mathis’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful career as a judge on Judge Mathis, where he reportedly earns approximately $5 million annually.

Controversy

Judge Greg Mathis’s life has not been without controversy; however, much of it stems from societal perceptions rather than personal scandals.

His rise from a troubled youth involved in gang activity to becoming a respected judge serves as an inspiring narrative for many individuals facing similar challenges.

Social Media

• Instagram: @judgegregmathis
• Twitter: @JudgeGregMathis

Filmography

• Judge Mathis
• The Ellen DeGeneres Show
• The Today Show
• Larry King Live
• The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Books

• Inner City Miracle
• Street Judge
• Of Being a Judge to Criminals and Such

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---