Greg Mathis

Gregory Ellis Mathis (born April 5, 1960), known professionally as Judge Mathis, is a former Michigan 36th District Court judge, television court show arbitrator, author, television producer, and motivational speaker.

For 24 seasons from September 13, 1999 to May 25, 2023, Mathis starred in his NAACP Image Award and Daytime Emmy winning, syndicated reality courtroom show, Judge Mathis, for which he is best known. His program entered its milestone 20th season on Monday, September 3, 2018. Mathis boasts the longest reign of any African American presiding as a court show judge. Mathis is also the second longest-serving television arbitrator ever, behind only Judith Sheindlin of Judge Judy and Judy Justice by three seasons.

Emanating from the success of his courtroom series, Mathis has also made a name for himself as a prominent leader within the African American community, providing mentorship, charity, and campaign efforts towards the advancement of African Americans. Mathis is also heavily wrapped up in rallying public support, community outreach and philanthropy for the state of Michigan, such as for the Flint water crisis. On May 4, 2022, Mathis was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A spiritually inspired play, Been there, Done that, based on his life toured twenty-two cities in the U.S. in 2002. In addition, Inner City Miracle, a memoir, was published by Ballantine Books. On June 19, 2022, a new E! reality program, Mathis Family Matters, premiered, starring Greg Mathis as the paternal head of household along with his family and their various loved ones as they encounter various domestic ups and downs.