Net Worth Ranker
What Is Petri Hawkins-Byrd’s Net Worth?
Petri Hawkins-Byrd, widely recognized as Bailiff Byrd, has established a notable presence in the American entertainment industry. As of 2024, his estimated net worth stands at $2.5 million. This valuation is primarily derived from his extensive career as a television personality, actor, writer, and producer. Hawkins-Byrd’s journey began in the Brooklyn court system in the early 1980s, where he served as a bailiff, and later transitioned to the Family Court in Manhattan, marking the start of his ascent in the legal and entertainment spheres. The bulk of Petri Hawkins-Byrd’s net worth can be attributed to his long-standing role on “Judge Judy,” alongside other acting and production ventures.
Earnings and Career Highlights Contributing to Petri Hawkins-Byrd’s Net Worth
Hawkins-Byrd’s association with Judge Judith Sheindlin proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. After learning of Judge Sheindlin’s forthcoming court show, he expressed his interest in participating, which led to his role as the bailiff on “Judge Judy.” The show aired for 25 seasons, accumulating 6,280 episodes and earning multiple Daytime Emmy nominations, securing three wins. While his exact salary per episode on “Judge Judy” was not publicly disclosed, estimates based on comparable daytime television personalities suggest earnings ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per episode. At $5,000 an episode, this would equate to approximately $1.2 million per 250-episode season. Alternatively, at $1,000 per episode, his earnings would total around $250,000 per season. These figures contributed significantly to Petri Hawkins-Byrd’s net worth over the years.
Beyond his role on “Judge Judy,” Petri Hawkins-Byrd has also actively engaged in other creative endeavors. In 2017, he wrote, executive produced, and starred in the TV movie “Tom Hennessy,” which garnered him an award at the Action on Film International Film Festival. Additionally, he produced and starred in the 2022 film “A Polished Soul,” showcasing his diverse talents within the film industry. He has more than 25 acting credits to his name, including roles in films such as “Playing Mona Lisa” (2000), “Redemption of the Ghost” (2002), “A Deeper Love” (2007), “In the Eyes of a Killer” (2009), “Under the Palm Tree” (2021), and “Amy’s F**k It List” (2023). His television appearances include “Nash Bridges” (1997), “The Parkers” (2000), “Everybody Hates Chris” (2006), “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (2017), “The Bold and the Beautiful” (2021), and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2022). Each acting role, writing and production credit has incrementally added to Petri Hawkins-Byrd’s Net Worth.
In 2023, Hawkins-Byrd joined the Amazon Freevee court show “Tribunal Justice,” created by Judge Sheindlin, as a bailiff. While specifics of his compensation for “Tribunal Justice” have not been made public, the role ensures continued income and exposure in the television court show genre. It’s also worth noting that in October 2021, when discussing his absence from Sheindlin’s “Judy Justice,” Byrd indicated that his salary expectations did not align with the show’s budget. His willingness to discuss this matter publicly suggests a clear understanding of his market value and the financial considerations involved in his career decisions.
Early Life and Career Progression Contributing to His Financial Foundation
Born on November 29, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York, as Petri Adonis Byrd, his early life experiences played a significant role in shaping his career path. His interest in law was sparked by the civil rights movement and Jim Crow laws. He attended Eastern District High School and later enrolled at Hostos Community College. In the early 1980s, he commenced his career as a court officer for the New York City court system’s Brooklyn circuit. In 1986, while studying at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Byrd was transferred to Manhattan’s family court division, leading to his association with Judge Judy Sheindlin. From 1986 to 1989, Byrd served as a courtroom officer for various judges within the Manhattan family court system. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1989. In 1990, he moved to California and worked as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshall in San Mateo. In 1992, he took a job at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, California, as a student counselor, a position he held until 1996. While these positions likely provided a steady income, it was his return to working with Judge Sheindlin that provided the most significant boost to Petri Hawkins-Byrd’s Net Worth.
Personal Life and Ventures Complementing Petri Hawkins-Byrd’s Net Worth
Petri’s personal life has also intersected with his professional career. He married Felicia Hawkins in 1980, with whom he had four children. Although they separated in 1989 and later reconciled, they eventually divorced. On May 4, 2019, Petri married Makita Bond, a “Judge Judy” crew member. Together, Petri and Makita launched the web series “Bonding with Byrd” and founded a production company of the same name. The specific financial details of these ventures are not public, but they represent entrepreneurial endeavors that could potentially contribute to his overall financial portfolio. His involvement in the nonprofit mentoring program “Teach Them to Fish,” dedicated to helping youths develop their mental, spiritual, physical, and social selves, is a testament to his commitment to community service. While this venture is non-profit, his involvement enhances his public image, indirectly benefiting his career. The impact of these varied facets of his life all reflect on Petri Hawkins-Byrd’s net worth and overall standing.
Awards, Nominations, and Public Image
Petri Hawkins-Byrd’s career has been punctuated by recognition from various quarters. He received Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program for “Judge Judy” in 2018, 2019, and 2020. In 2013, he won an Action on Film Award for Best Action Sequence – Feature for “Tom Hennessy.” These accolades not only acknowledge his artistic achievements but also enhance his public image, potentially leading to further opportunities in the entertainment industry. Positive public perception serves as a catalyst for career advancement and increased earning potential. The continued recognition has served to bolster Petri Hawkins-Byrd’s Net Worth through increased opportunities.
