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Who is Judge Reinhold?
Judge Reinhold is an American actor, known for his roles in several popular 1980s films. He gained prominence for his role as Detective Billy Rosewood in the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, alongside Eddie Murphy. Judge also starred in the classic 1983 film “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”, and the 1987 holiday film “The Santa Clause” with Tim Allen. Over the years, he’s appeared in numerous films and television shows, and has been nominated for multiple awards for his performances.
Early Life and Education
Born Edward Ernest Reinhold Jr. on 21 May 1957, in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, Judge was destined for the spotlight from a young age. His father, having a penchant for unique names, bestowed upon him the nickname ‘Judge’, which stuck throughout his life. Growing up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Judge was exposed to the arts early on, participating in school plays and community theater. He later attended the North Carolina School of the Arts, where he honed his craft and prepared for a career in acting.
Roles in Movies
Judge made his movie debut in the 1979 TV drama “Survival of Dana”, which starred Melissa Sue Anders and Robert Carradine.
In 1982, he gained significant attention with “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”, in which he played the character Brad Hamilton. This role, which showcased his ability to blend comedy with genuine emotion, set the stage for many more memorable performances. This coming-of-age drama earned both critical and public acclaim, but also garnered controversy for some explicit scenes, including one in which Judge’s character masturbates.
Two years later, Judge starred in the action comedy movie “Beverly Hills Cop”, directed by Martin Brest. The movie also stars Eddie Murphy in the role of Axel Foley, a policeman who travels to Beverly Hills, California, to solve the murder of his best friend. Upon his arrival, Foley’s brash and unconventional methods clash with the more reserved and by-the-book approach of the Beverly Hills Police Department. As Foley delves deeper into the case, he teams up with two Beverly Hills detectives, played by Judge and John Ashton, forming an unlikely trio that navigates the upscale world of Beverly Hills while facing danger and comedic situations. “Beverly Hills Cop” was a massive box office success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year, and led to two sequels, “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987) and “Beverly Hills Cop III” (1994), with Judge reprising his role in both.
Another notable film in Judge’s repertoire is the 1984 horror comedy “Gremlins”, written by Chris Columbus and directed by Joe Dante.
Judge also starred in “Ruthless People” (1986) alongside Danny DeVito and Bette Midler. In this dark comedy, he played the role of Ken Kessler, a man who, along with his wife, kidnaps a wealthy woman, only to find out that her husband doesn’t want her back.
In “Vice Versa” (1988), Judge took on a unique role where he and a young actor, Fred Savage, switch bodies due to a mysterious artifact. The film showcased Judge’s acting ability in a unique way, since he was tasked with playing both a child and an adult in a child’s body.
In “The Santa Clause” (1994) alongside Tim Allen, Judge played Dr. Neal Miller, the stepfather. His portrayal added depth to the film, making it a holiday favorite for many. He returned for the sequels, “The Santa Clause 2” (2002) and “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” (2006), further cementing his place in this beloved franchise.
In the 2000s, Judge continued appearing in comedy films such as “Crab Orchard” (2005), “Swing Vote” (2006), and “Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts” (2009).
In 2013, he made a guest appearance in the reboot of “Beverly Hills Cop”, which starred B. J. Britt, Ren Burttet, and Chasty Ballesteros. Two years later, Judge took an a different kind of role, playing one of the leads in the drama “I am Potential”, centered on a father (played by Burgess Jenkins) who helps his blind and wheel-bound son achieve his dreams.
Judge’s most recent movie role was in the 2017 holiday comedy “Four Christmases and a Wedding”, which starred Arielle Kebbel, Corey Sevier and Markie Post.
After a seven year break from acting, Judge is set to reprise his role as Billy Rosewood in the upcoming “Beverly Hills Cop” sequel, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley”, which is expected to come out in 2024.
Roles in TV Series
Judge’s presence on the small screen is as impactful as his roles in films. Over the years, he’s graced numerous television series, showcasing his versatility and range. He made his debut in 1979, in an episode of the action series “Wonder Woman”, and in the following years, he appeared in popular shows such as “Magnum, P. I”., “Open All Night”, and “Trying Times”.
Liz, thank you for such a lovely evening…and the Coke.#RIPLizSheridan #Seinfeld #helen pic.twitter.com/knm5IqsZP9
— Judge Reinhold (@JudgeReinhold) April 16, 2022
One of his most memorable guest appearances was in the hit sitcom “Seinfeld”. In the episode entitled “The Raincoats” (1994), Judge played Aaron, the close-talker, who had a peculiar habit of standing uncomfortably close to people while conversing. Despite appearing in only one episode, Judge delivered a standout performance, and is still remembered as one of the most iconic guest stars on the show. His role as Aaron earned him his only Primetime Emmy nomination, for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
Judge’s first starring role came two years later, in the short lived sitcom “Secret Service Guy”, which also starred Michael McKean.
In “The King of Queens” (2003) Judge played the role of the slick car salesman, lending his comedic timing to the character, and making a lasting impression on fans of the show. Also in 2003, he starred in the only season of the family sitcom “The O’Keefes”, playing the role of a father of four homeschooled children.
Judge also made appearances in popular series such as “Monk” (2004) in a guest role, and “Arrested Development”, humorously playing himself in a storyline involving a mock trial.
In 2005, he began dabbling in voice acting, with is first role being the character Negative Man from the popular Cartoon Network series “Teen Titans”. In the following years, he lent his voice to animated shows such as “The Boondocks” and “Hermie & Friends”.
In 2008 and 2009, Judge played a supporting role in the comedy-drama “Easy Money”. His most recent TV series role was in 2016, in the first season of “The Detour”, a sitcom about a family of four taking a road trip across the US.
Personal Life
Away from the limelight, Judge has always been private about his personal life. He married his second wife, Amy Reinhold (nee Miller) in 2000, and the couple has one child. They’ve managed to keep their family life out of the headlines, focusing on their shared love for the arts and philanthropy. Judge and Amy have been involved in various charitable endeavors, using their platform to give back to the community.
In 2016, Judge made headlines after he was arrested in Dallas, Texas for disorderly conduct. According to a police report, he objected to a mandatory security pat-down at Dallas airport. He was sent to jail, but where he only spent 10 hours, before he accepted a deferred adjudication agreement.
Hobbies and Interesting Facts
Judge is not just an actor; but a man of varied interests. He’s an avid collector of vintage toys, a hobby he’s pursued since his youth. Judge also has a passion for music, and plays the guitar; he’s been known to jam with fellow actors and musicians, showcasing his musical talents.
Another interesting fact about Judge is his love for animals. He’s been involved in animal rescue efforts, and has adopted several pets over the years, turning his home into a haven for rescued animals.
Net Worth
Judge’s successful career in both film and television has garnered him significant financial success. As of October 2023, his estimated net worth is around $2.5 million, a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft.
