Greg Mathis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Greg Mathis
|
|
|---|---|
Mathis in 2010
|
|
| Born |
Gregory Ellis Mathis
April 5, 1960 |
| Alma mater | Eastern Michigan University (BS) University of Detroit (JD) |
| Occupation | Judge, writer |
| Office | Judge of the District Court of the State of Michigan (1995–1998) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) |
Linda Reese
(m. 1985) |
| Children | 4 |
Gregory Ellis Mathis (born April 5, 1960), known to millions as Judge Mathis, is a famous American television personality, author, and former real-life court judge. He is best known for his TV court show, Judge Mathis, which was on the air for 24 years.
For his work on the show, Mathis won an NAACP Image Award and a Daytime Emmy Award. His show was one of the longest-running court shows on TV. He is the second longest-serving TV judge, right after Judith Sheindlin from Judge Judy.
Mathis is also known for helping people in his home state of Michigan, especially during events like the Flint water crisis. In May 2022, he received a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to entertainment.
His life story inspired a play called Been there, Done that. He also wrote a book about his life called Inner City Miracle. In 2022, a new reality show called Mathis Family Matters began, showing the daily life of Judge Mathis and his family.
Contents
A Challenging Start
Mathis was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised by his mother, Alice Lee Mathis, in a tough neighborhood. As a teenager, he got into trouble and was arrested.
While he was in jail, his mother visited him and told him she was very sick with colon cancer. This news changed Mathis's life. A judge gave him a choice: get an education or stay in jail. Mathis chose to turn his life around.
Education and a New Path
After getting out of jail, Mathis started working at McDonald's. A family friend helped him get into Eastern Michigan University. In college, he became interested in politics and helping people. He joined student groups and worked to protest unfair policies in South Africa.
He earned a degree in Public Administration. After college, he decided to go to law school. He attended the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law at night while working during the day. He earned his law degree, known as a J.D., in 1987.
Career as a Judge and TV Star
Becoming a Real Judge
After law school, Mathis worked in politics. He helped with the presidential campaign of Jesse Jackson in Michigan. He also worked for the mayor of Detroit, Coleman Young.
In 1995, Mathis was elected as a district court judge for Michigan's 36th District. At the time, he was the youngest person ever to become a judge in the state. He served for five years and was known as one of the best judges in his district.
From the Courtroom to Television
Judge Mathis became a household name with his TV court show, Judge Mathis. The show started in 1999 and ran until 2023. It was one of the longest-running court shows ever. On the show, he listened to real people's problems and made decisions, just like in a real courtroom.
His success led to another show, Mathis Family Matters, which gives a peek into his life with his wife and children.
Helping His Community
Judge Mathis has always been dedicated to helping others, especially in his hometown of Detroit. In 2011, he gave away free gasoline to drivers in Detroit to thank the city for supporting him. He said, "Detroiters took a chance on me. It's just the right thing to do."
He also funds the Mathis Community Center. The center offers classes, provides food and clothing, and helps people who have been in trouble with the law get a fresh start. He has also been involved in national programs, like "My Brother's Keeper," a White House project to help young men of color succeed.
In 2003, he helped families who used to live in the Herman Gardens housing project, where he grew up. He made sure they had the first chance to move into new apartments built in the same area.
Personal Life
Mathis is married to Linda Reese, whom he met in college. They married in 1985 and have four children: Jade, Camara, Greg Jr., and Amir.
In August 2024, Linda filed for divorce after 39 years of marriage. However, a few months later, in November 2024, it was announced that the couple had reconciled and were back together.
Mathis is a member of the City Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church. He once received the Black History Achievement Award from Oakwood University and said it was the most meaningful award he had ever gotten.
See also
In Spanish: Greg Mathis para niños
