TV legend Judge Jackie Glass died on Friday, August 28, at the age of 70. Her daughter, stand-up comedian and actress Rachel Wolfson, best known for being the first official female cast member of the Jackass movie franchise, confirmed the news in a tribute posted on social media.
"RIP my rock. I don’t know how I’ll do this life without you, I love you so much mommy Jackie Glass, I’ll see you again someday," she penned on Facebook along with a picture of the pair in happier times.
Career on Swift Justice
Glass was a former Clark County judge who hosted the syndicated small claims court show Swift Justice, in the 2010s. The programme featured the traditional court show format of small claims cases argued in the forum of binding arbitration.
She took over the show in the second season in 2011 replacing Nancy Grace as host. That same year, production moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles. She remained with the widely syndicated reality series until it ended in April 2012.
O.J. Simpson sentencing
Prior to finding TV fame, she had made headlines in 2008 as the judge who sentenced O.J. Simpson to 33 years in prison for armed robbery in a Las Vegas hotel. He was released on parole nine years later in 2017 and died of cancer in Vegas in 2024.
Before beginning her law career Glass had actually been building a career in broadcasting. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism and moved to Las Vegas, where she began her broadcasting career as a radio news reporter at KORK-AM 920.
Legal career and tributes
She transitioned to television, joining KTNV-TV Channel 13 first a reporter before becoming a news anchor. However, she returned to school, graduating from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1984 and beginning her legal career.
Tributes flooded in for the star as news of her death became widely known. "So sad!!! she was an amazing woman and I know will be missed!" one Facebook user penned.
"A sad loss for our community Rest in Peace Jackie," another added. A third chimed in: "Just terrible! May her memory be a blessing! just a remarkable woman!"
A fourth reacted: "I’m in shock my heart goes out to her family. I just spoke to her last week. What an amazing lady." A fifth shared: "Shocking! What a great lady...Condolences to her family."
Meanwhile, a sixth reflected: "My heartfelt condolences to Steve Wolfson, her daughters, the Honourable Rebecca Wolfson and Rachel Wolfson, and all of Jackie’s family, friends, colleagues and those fortunate enough to have known her. Rest in peace...knowing that your legacy will live along."
