Petri Hawkins Byrd and Makita Bond-Byrd Reinvented Themselves

Petri Hawkins Byrd is the Bailiff on JUDGE JUDY, which has been the #1 show in first-run syndication for 10 consecutive seasons. The Emmy Award-winning program returned for its 24th season on September 9, 2019.
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Hawkins Byrd (“Byrd”) received his Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1989.        During this time, Byrd worked as a court officer in the Brooklyn Family Court system. In 1986, he was transferred to the Manhattan Family Court system, where he worked on a rotating basis with all the judges, including Judge Judith Sheindlin.
After 25 years, Judge Judy has dropped her loyal bailiff, Petri Hawkins Byrd ("Byrd"), without explanation. Not one to rest on his laurels or be complacent, Petri opted to take the insult in stride and pursue other opportunities that are now opening up to him, most recently in a guest-starring role as a reverend on the hit series, "The Bold and the Beautiful."

 Petri's wife and Emmy nominated producer for the Court show Judge Judy and more - Makita Bond-Byrd.  In March 2021, they discovered a mass on her brain, diagnosed as a tumor. She ended up having surgery to have it removed and has gone through many adversities with positivity, strength, and GRACE. Together, they decided to battle what life was throwing at them (between the pandemic and cancer) and share their inspiring creating Bonding with Byrd