Judge Mathis Net Worth: From Troubled Youth to Television Icon

Judge Mathis is a television personality and former District Court judge for Michigan’s 36th District who has a net worth of $25 million. Judge Greg Mathis is best known as the star of the syndicated reality courtroom show “Judge Mathis.” Having presided over the show for more than 20 years, he holds the record for the longest reign of any African-American court show judge, and the second-longest of any court show judge. Fueled by the success of his show, Mathis became a prominent activist and philanthropist in the African-American community.

Who is Judge Mathis?

Greg Mathis is best known for his role as the arbitrator on the reality courtroom television show “Judge Mathis.” Beyond television, his career includes significant contributions to the legal field and activism, making him a well-respected figure in both the entertainment and legal communities.

Judge Mathis Early Life

Greg Mathis was born on April 5, 1960 in Detroit, Michigan to Alice and Charles. His parents divorced when he was young, leaving him to be raised by his mother. For a while, they lived in the Herman Gardens housing project, but they eventually moved away due to violent crime and rising rates of drug use. Mathis himself got involved in crime as part of a street gang, and was jailed when he was 17.

Judge Mathis Education

Upon his release, he began working at McDonald’s. Eventually, a family friend helped him get admitted to Eastern Michigan University, where he developed an interest in politics and public administration. Mathis did activism on campus and worked for the Democratic Party. He graduated from EMU with a degree in public administration. Mathis went on to earn his JD from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1987.

Mathis District Court Judge

For many years after graduating from law school, Mathis was unable to attain a license to practice due to his criminal record as a teenager. Finally, in 1995, he was elected as a District Court judge for Michigan’s 36th District. In the process, Mathis became the youngest person in Michigan history to hold the post, at the age of 35. He served on the bench until 1998.

Judge Mathis Political Activities

Mathis has been active in politics for many decades. In 1988, he was appointed as the Michigan head of Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign. Later, Mathis served as the head of Coleman Young’s successful mayoral reelection campaign in Detroit. He has continued to be politically active, leveraging his television stardom to advocate for African-American communities. Specifically, Mathis has done community outreach, provided mentorship, worked on lobbying campaigns, and engaged in various philanthropic projects. He funds the Mathis Community Center in Detroit, which offers classes, food assistance, and training for ex-convicts, among other services.

Why is Greg Mathis So Famous?

Judge Mathis rose to fame as the arbitrator on “Judge Mathis,” a role that showcased his unique blend of legal expertise and charismatic personality. His ability to connect with a diverse audience and his advocacy work in the African-American community further cemented his fame.

Mathis Family Matters

In addition to his legal and television career, Judge Mathis is also heavily involved in community activism and charitable causes. He founded the Mathis Community Center in Detroit, which provides a wide range of programs and services for local residents. He has also been involved in various campaigns and initiatives to promote education and reduce crime in inner-city communities.

Judge Mathis Personal Life

In 1985, Mathis married Linda Reese, a fellow student from EMU. Together, they have four children: daughters Jade and Camara and sons Greg Jr. and Amir. Unfortunately, Linda filed for divorce in August 2024 after 39 years of marriage. Like his late mother, Mathis is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A spiritual-based play about his life, called “Been There, Done That,” toured the United States in 2002.

FAQs

What is Judge Greg Mathis’s net worth?
Judge Greg Mathis has an estimated net worth of $25 million, primarily derived from his long-running television show, Judge Mathis, as well as his work as a former District Court judge and his various activism and philanthropic efforts.

How long has Judge Mathis been on air?
Judge Mathis has been on air for over 20 years, making it one of the longest-running syndicated reality courtroom shows. It holds the record for the longest reign of any African-American court show judge.

What is Judge Mathis’s background?
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Mathis had a troubled youth, involving gang activity and incarceration. After turning his life around, he became the youngest judge in Michigan’s history at the age of 35. He also earned his JD from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1987.

What contributions has Judge Mathis made to the community?
Judge Mathis is heavily involved in community outreach, philanthropy, and activism. He established the Mathis Community Center in Detroit, which provides services like education, food assistance, and job training. He has also been active in lobbying for social change, particularly in African-American communities.

Conclusion

Judge Greg Mathis’s life story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and dedication to justice. From his challenging childhood in Detroit to becoming a prominent District Court judge and television personality, Mathis has proven that one’s past does not define their future. His work on Judge Mathis and his continuous efforts to support underprivileged communities have cemented his legacy as both a legal figure and a philanthropist. 

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