Home > Shows > Intimate Portrait > Judge Judy Judge Judy Tough As Nails She started her professional life as a lawyer and a judge in the hectic world of New York City's juvenile courts, but Judith Sheindlin made her way onto television as Judge Judy, the queen of tough love and a best-selling author. More »     In Her Words   "I have a basic family of, you know, 17 people. You don't have much time for hobbies. I just live."       Five Things You Must Know       Her second book, "Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever," was published in January 1999. The follow-up, "Keep It Simple, Stupid," is due out soon. In February 2000, Judge Judy published her first children's book, "Win or Lose by How You Choose." Over the course of her career, she has heard more than 20,000 cases. Judy Sheindlin made $113,000 her last year as a supervising judge in New York City. As a television judge, she earns $150,000 per week.         E-mail this to a friend.         The Quick Take   Birth name: Judith Blum Birthday: October 21, 1942 Birthplace: Connecticut Occupation: Judge and Lawyer Sign: Libra Youth Dreams: Radio City Rockette