You’ve seen her pointing that finger. You’ve heard her bark, "Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining!" But while Judge Judy has been a staple of our living rooms since the mid-90s, there is one question that keeps popping up in 2026: how old is judge judy really, and is she actually still working?
The short answer? She is 83 years old.
Born Judith Susan Blum on October 21, 1942, in Brooklyn, Sheindlin isn't just "still around." She is actively filming, managing a massive business empire, and somehow looking younger than people twenty years her junior. Honestly, most people at 83 are deep into retirement, but Judy is out here launching new seasons of Judy Justice and collecting checks that would make a Wall Street banker blush.
The Math Behind the Gavel: How Old Is Judge Judy in 2026?
It is wild to think about, but Judge Judy has been a legal professional since 1965. If you do the math, she’s been in the game for over 60 years. When she first started her TV journey in 1996, she was already 54. Most people's careers are winding down at that age; hers was just hitting the launchpad.
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Why does she look so different lately?
You might have noticed her "youthful display" in recent appearances around LA. People love to speculate about plastic surgery or expensive creams. While she clearly has access to the best of everything, Judy herself credits her longevity to one thing: not stopping. She once told Ellen DeGeneres that the biggest mistake people make as they age is "fighting over the minutia." She basically argues that stress and sweating the small stuff—like a lost tea service or a ruined shirt—is what actually ages you.
Is She Still Filming "Judy Justice"?
Yes. She didn't retire when her original show ended in 2021. In fact, as of January 2026, Judy is still the face of Judy Justice on Amazon Freevee.
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The show just kicked off its fourth season this month. It’s a bit of a marathon, too. Unlike most reality shows that film ten or twelve episodes, Judy records over 100 episodes a season. She does this by maintaining a legendary schedule: filming just a few days every other week. It’s a masterclass in efficiency.
- Birth Date: October 21, 1942
- Current Age: 83
- Net Worth: Estimated at $440 million to $480 million
- Current Project: Judy Justice Season 4
The Real Secret to Her 2026 Net Worth
A lot of fans wonder how she got so rich. It wasn't just the salary. Early on, she negotiated to own the rights to her own library. In 2017, she sold that library back to CBS for a staggering $100 million.
She isn't just a judge; she’s a shark. She knows her value. She once told The Hollywood Reporter that she basically told her bosses, "I can take Judy Sheindlin anywhere else." And she did. When CBS wanted to focus on her reruns, she just moved to Amazon and started a brand new hit.
The 2026 Health Check: Is She Okay?
Whenever a celebrity hits their 80s, the "death hoaxes" start. You've probably seen those weird Facebook ads or clickbait headlines.
Ignore them.
Judge Judy is reportedly in excellent health. She spends her time between her massive $13 million estate in Connecticut and her homes in Florida and Beverly Hills. She still travels via private jet and maintains a sharp-as-a-tack wit that would terrify any 20-year-old litigant.
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What You Should Do Next
If you’re inspired by her "never-retire" energy, there are a few things you can actually learn from her approach to aging:
- Prioritize Financial Independence: Judy has always preached that women, especially, need to control their own money. Whether you’re 20 or 60, start a separate "freedom fund."
- Stop Sweating the Small Stuff: Follow Judy’s 2026 advice—don’t let a ruined shirt or a petty argument take over your life. Stress is the real age-accelerator.
- Negotiate Your Value: Judy didn't get a $47 million annual salary by being shy. She knew the show couldn't exist without her and used that leverage.
- Stay Busy: Retirement is a choice, not a requirement. If you love what you do, keep doing it in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Judge Judy Sheindlin at 83 is living proof that "old" is a mindset. She’s still the smartest person in the room, and she’s still making millions by telling people to shut up. Honestly, we should all be so lucky.