Net Worth Ranker
What Is Greg Mathis’ Net Worth?
Judge Greg Mathis, a well-known television personality and former District Court judge for Michigan’s 36th District, has amassed a considerable net worth estimated at $25 million. This financial standing reflects his successful career in both law and entertainment, primarily fueled by his long-running television show, “Judge Mathis,” where he serves as the presiding arbitrator.
Judge Mathis’ Salary and Early Life
Judge Greg Mathis earns an annual salary of approximately $5 million from his television endeavors. Born on April 5, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan, to Alice and Charles Mathis, his early life was marked by the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household after his parents divorced. He spent part of his childhood in the Herman Gardens housing project, a place affected by violence and drug use. Mathis’s involvement in a street gang led to his incarceration at the age of 17. After his release, he worked at McDonald’s, marking the start of his path toward a more stable future. A family friend played a pivotal role in his admission to Eastern Michigan University (EMU), where he discovered an interest in politics and public administration. While at EMU, he engaged in campus activism and worked for the Democratic Party. He graduated from EMU with a degree in public administration. Mathis continued his education at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree in 1987.
Career as District Court Judge and “Judge Mathis”
After graduating from law school, Mathis faced obstacles in obtaining a license to practice law due to his juvenile criminal record. Despite this setback, he persevered, and in 1995, he was elected as a District Court judge for Michigan’s 36th District. At 35, Mathis became the youngest person to hold this position in Michigan history. He served on the bench until 1998. In 1999, Mathis gained national recognition as the arbitrator on the syndicated reality courtroom television show “Judge Mathis.” The show features Mathis adjudicating small claims disputes in front of a live studio audience in Chicago, Illinois. Known for his humor, street smarts, and firm demeanor, Mathis’s show has become a long-standing success. By its 16th season in 2014, Mathis became the longest-serving African-American courtroom show arbitrator. The show celebrated its 20th season in 2018 and has received several accolades. In 2002, “Judge Mathis” won a PRISM Commendation award for its positive messages to young people. In 2004, the show received an NAACP Image Award. In 2018, “Judge Mathis” won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program, making it the first courtroom show with an African-American arbitrator to win the award. Mathis later received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“Mathis Family Matters” and Political Activities
In 2022, Mathis expanded his television presence with another reality program, “Mathis Family Matters,” which airs on E!. The show follows Mathis and his family as they navigate various aspects of their lives. Mathis has been active in politics for several decades. In 1988, he was appointed as the Michigan head of Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign. He also served as the head of Coleman Young’s successful mayoral reelection campaign in Detroit. Mathis continues to be politically engaged, using his platform to advocate for African-American communities through community outreach, mentorship, lobbying, and philanthropy. He supports the Mathis Community Center in Detroit, which provides classes, food assistance, and training for ex-convicts.
Published Works and Personal Life
Mathis is also an author, having written “Of Being a Judge to Criminals and Such” and co-authored “Street Judge” with Zane. He also penned a memoir titled “Inner City Miracle.” In 1985, Mathis married Linda Reese, a fellow student from EMU. They have four children: daughters Jade and Camara and sons Greg Jr. and Amir. Sadly, Linda filed for divorce in August 2024 after 39 years of marriage. Mathis, like his late mother, is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A play about his life, “Been There, Done That,” toured the United States in 2002.
Real Estate Holdings
In November 2011, Greg and his wife purchased a home in the Beverly Hills area for $5.3 million. This property is estimated to be worth between $8 million and $9 million today. This real estate investment contributes to Judge Greg Mathis’ net worth.
