Petri Hawkins Byrd is the Bailiff on Judge Judy, the No. 1 daytime TV show in syndication for six consecutive seasons.
In his twentieth season on Judge Judy, Byrd speaks with Reel Urban News about the longevity of the show and his quiet but powerful presence as bailiff. “Security is a funny thing. When you have it and it works, you barely notice that it’s there. And when you need it and it works, that’s when you notice what it’s worth.”
The burly bailiff, a leading daytime personality in his own right, admits his longevity is unexpected. “I think anybody who tells you they spent twenty years doing anything is a little surprised.”
Byrd’s role on Judge Judy may be the bailiff but he is not acting. His law enforcement career dates back to the late 1980s. “I worked in Manhattan Family Court from 1986 to 1990. That’s where I met my once and future boss, Judge Judy Sheindlin.”
Byrd says the Emmy Award-winning show’s consistency – and Judge Judy’s outsized personality – is the secret to its success. “We have not changed in our delivery in twenty years. What’s surprising is what she says as opposed to what our cases are; they happen over and over again. We have dog-bites-dog, dog-bites-man cases. What’s always amazing is how she deals with it and the things she says.”
In addition to appearing on television’s longest running court show, Byrd is passionate about mentoring young people and his commitment to the community. “You’ve got to be the change you want to see in the world. There is so much indifference going on in the world right now in regard to violence, sex outside of marriage, incarceration rates and the educational system. I’ve always made sure my kids’ friends are fathered just as much as my kids are fathered.”
Photo Credit: Michael Billings & Reggie Simon/Reel Urban Images
