Judge Greg Mathis

Gregory Ellis Mathis was born on April 5, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. Raised by a single mother in challenging circumstances, Mathis faced significant adversity during his youth, including involvement with street gangs and multiple arrests for offenses such as purse-snatching, breaking-and-entering, and robbery. At 17, he was incarcerated for nine months on a concealed-weapons charge. During his time in Wayne County Jail, his mother’s revelation of her colon cancer, combined with an ultimatum from a judge—either earn a G.E.D. or face further jail time—served as a pivotal turning point. Inspired by Rev. Jesse Jackson, who visited him in jail and encouraged him to pursue education and activism, Mathis committed to changing his life.

After his release, Mathis secured a job at McDonald’s to maintain his probation and was subsequently admitted to Eastern Michigan University. There, he developed an interest in politics and public administration, becoming a campus activist and working for the Democratic Party. He earned a B.S. in Public Administration and later a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1987. Despite initial challenges in obtaining a law license due to his past, Mathis persevered. In 1995, he was elected as a district court judge for Michigan’s 36th District, becoming the youngest person in the state to hold such a position. His tenure on the bench was marked by high ratings, solidifying his reputation as a respected legal professional.

Mathis rose to national prominence with his syndicated reality courtroom show, “Judge Mathis,” which premiered on September 13, 1999, and ran for 24 seasons until May 25, 2023. The show became a critical and popular success, earning an NAACP Image Award and a Daytime Emmy Award. Mathis utilized his platform to address societal issues, offer rehabilitation support, and share his personal journey from juvenile delinquency to judicial success, inspiring a wide audience. He is recognized as the second-longest-serving television arbitrator in history. Following the conclusion of “Judge Mathis,” he launched “Mathis Court with Judge Mathis” in September 2023, continuing his work in television arbitration. Beyond the courtroom, Mathis is an author, film and television producer, and motivational speaker, actively involved in philanthropy and community outreach, particularly in Michigan.