In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sheindlin explained how she ended up as the TV host with the highest salary. It has to do with some negotiating she did years ago and a lot of confidence in what she brings to the table—or, rather, the judge’s bench. In her interview with THR, Sheindlin said that because she knew the show couldn’t exist without her, she was able to use that when negotiating her contract.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb “The People’s Court, they’ve had several judges. The Tonight Show has had several hosts. But I Love Lucy only had one Lucille Ball,” Sheindlin said. “So, almost 20 years ago, I told the company that I worked for this: ‘I want to be more of a partner. Don’t treat me as a paid employee. I could make this show without you—I created a deal where I could do that—but you can’t make it without me. I can take Judy Sheindlin anywhere else. And good luck with you if you can find somebody else. Otherwise, let’s share the gift that this program has brought to both of us.’ I don’t think that there’s anything unreasonable about that.” RELATED: The Biggest ’90s Reality TV Show Stars, Then and Now. So, how much does the highest-paid TV host make? According to Forbes, Sheindlin has made $47 million per year since 2012 and has a net worth of $445 million. RELATED: The One Guest Ellen DeGeneres Banned From Her Show. For more celebrity news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. After doing Judge Judy for 25 years—and making so much money through it—you might think Sheindlin would want to retire. That’s not the case. As she explained, she enjoys her job, so she doesn’t see the point in stopping. “I’m not tired. I don’t play golf or tennis. I have no desire to learn how to play mahjong, chess, or checkers. I know what I like to do,” Sheindlin said. “Why, at my stage in life, would I try to find something else when I already know what I like? And this isn’t a 9-to-5 job.” She added of her family, including husband Jerry Sheindlin, “I’ve still got the time to see the children I love, the grandchildren who are growing up very fast, and the cute mate who I still get a kick out of.” RELATED: This Was the Worst Guest The View Ever Had, Former Host Says.
