Introduction: Judith Light Age
Judith Light, an accomplished actress with a career spanning several decades, has consistently impressed audiences with her incredible range and talent. Known for her powerful performances in television, film, and theater, she has built a remarkable legacy in Hollywood. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Judith Light’s age, biography, net worth, her vast body of work in movies and TV shows, her personal life including her husband, and other significant details.
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Judith Light Age: How Old Is Judith Light?
Born on February 9, 1949, Judith Light is currently 75 years old (as of 2024). Her vibrant energy and dynamic career make her a timeless figure in the entertainment industry. Even as she grows older, Judith continues to embrace challenging roles and maintains an impressive presence on both screen and stage.
Biography of Judith Light
Judith Ellen Light was born in Trenton, New Jersey, to Pearl Sue and Sidney Light. Raised in a Jewish family, Judith’s upbringing was rooted in strong family values and a deep appreciation for the arts. She attended St. Mary’s Hall-Doane Academy and later pursued a degree in drama at Carnegie Mellon University, where she honed her craft.
Early Life and Career
After graduating from Carnegie Mellon in 1970, Judith embarked on a career in theater. She began performing in regional theater productions and Off-Broadway plays, eventually making her Broadway debut in 1975. Her big break came in 1977 when she was cast in the role of Karen Wolek on the daytime soap opera One Life to Live. Her portrayal of Karen, particularly during a courtroom scene where her character confessed to being a prostitute, earned her critical acclaim and her first Daytime Emmy Award.
Transition to Primetime TV and Fame
Judith’s transition to primetime television came with the role of Angela Bower in the hit sitcom Who’s the Boss?, which aired from 1984 to 1992. Playing a successful advertising executive, Light’s character broke stereotypes of women on TV at the time, portraying her as both a business leader and a single mother. The role cemented Judith Light’s place as a household name and earned her widespread fame.
Return to Theater and Continued Success
Even after achieving success in television, Light never strayed far from her first love—theater. She returned to Broadway multiple times and received critical acclaim for her performances. In 2012, she won two consecutive Tony Awards for her roles in the plays “Other Desert Cities” (2012) and “The Assembled Parties” (2013).
Judith Light Net Worth
As of 2024, Judith Light’s estimated net worth is around $16 million. Over the course of her career, she has accumulated her wealth through a combination of acting in television, film, theater, and various endorsement deals.
Sources of Income
- Television: Judith earned significant income from her starring roles in TV series like Who’s the Boss?, Ugly Betty, and Transparent.
- Film: Although television was her primary medium, Judith also appeared in various films, adding to her earnings.
- Theater: Her award-winning roles on Broadway not only brought her critical acclaim but also boosted her financial success.
- Endorsements: Like many successful actors, Judith has endorsed several brands, further contributing to her net worth.
Judith Light Movies and TV Shows

Movies
Though Judith Light is best known for her television work, she has appeared in a variety of films over the years. Some notable titles include:
- “The Ryan White Story” (1989): A TV movie in which Light portrayed the mother of Ryan White, a teenager who became a national symbol for HIV/AIDS awareness.
- “Save Me” (2007): A drama about homosexuality and religious conversion, in which Light played a key role as a woman leading a Christian ministry.
- “The Menu” (2022): A dark comedy thriller where Light had a memorable supporting role.
TV Shows
Judith Light has been a staple of American television for decades. Here are some of the most notable series she’s been part of:
- “One Life to Live” (1977–1983): Her portrayal of Karen Wolek earned her widespread acclaim and two Daytime Emmy Awards.
- “Who’s the Boss?” (1984–1992): Light became a household name as Angela Bower, a career-driven woman who hires a male housekeeper, played by Tony Danza.
- “Ugly Betty” (2006–2010): Judith played Claire Meade, the matriarch of the Meade family, in this critically acclaimed series, showcasing her versatility in comedy and drama.
- “Transparent” (2014–2019): In this Amazon original series, Light played Shelly Pfefferman, the ex-wife of Jeffrey Tambor’s character. Her performance earned her multiple award nominations, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
- “The Politician” (2019–2020): Judith took on a supporting role in this Netflix series, further showcasing her talent in the realm of dark comedy and political satire.
Judith Light’s Personal Life

Judith Light Husband
Judith Light has been married to actor and writer Robert Desiderio since 1985. The couple met while working on the soap opera One Life to Live, where Desiderio also had a role. Unlike many celebrity couples, Judith and Robert have maintained a relatively low-profile personal life and have enjoyed a long-lasting marriage spanning nearly four decades.
Why They Never Had Children
Judith Light and Robert Desiderio made the mutual decision not to have children. In interviews, Judith has been candid about the fact that having children was never a priority for her. She has stated that she prefers focusing on her career and personal growth.
Advocacy and Humanitarian Work
One of the most admirable aspects of Judith Light’s personal life is her dedication to advocacy and humanitarian causes. She has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness since the early days of her career. She has been actively involved in organizations such as GLAAD, The Trevor Project, and AIDS Project Los Angeles.
Physical Characteristics

At 75, Judith continues to defy expectations when it comes to aging gracefully. Here’s a quick overview of her physical traits:
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Hair Color: Blonde (though she has embraced graying hair in recent years)
- Eye Color: Light brown
- Body Type: Slim and athletic, which she maintains through a combination of yoga, pilates, and a balanced diet
Fun Facts About Judith
- Judith Light is a Vegetarian: She has been following a vegetarian lifestyle for many years, citing health and ethical reasons.
- She Almost Left Acting: Early in her career, Judith nearly gave up on acting after struggling to find steady work. However, she stuck with it and eventually found success.
- Tony Award Wins: Judith has won two Tony Awards, both in consecutive years, which is a rare feat in the world of theater.
- LGBTQ+ Advocate: She has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has worked with various organizations supporting the community.
- Broadway Roots: Before her TV fame, Judith was a serious stage actress and remains passionate about theater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Judith still married?
Yes, Judith is still married to Robert Desiderio, and the two have been together since 1985.
How many awards has Judith won?
Judith has won numerous awards, including two Daytime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and several nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
What is Judith most famous role?
Judith is best known for her role as Angela Bower in the hit TV sitcom Who’s the Boss? and for her later work on Transparent.
How old is Judith Light?
As of 2024, Judith is 75 years old, born on February 9, 1949.
Conclusion
Judith remarkable career in television, film, and theater has made her an enduring figure in the entertainment industry. From her early breakout role on One Life to Live to her award-winning performances on Broadway and her more recent roles in Transparent and The Politician, Light has proven her incredible versatility and dedication to her craft.
At 75 years old, Judith continues to shine, both in front of the camera and in her advocacy work. With a successful marriage to Robert Desiderio, numerous awards, and a commitment to making the world a better place, Judith Light exemplifies not only talent but also grace, resilience, and compassion.
Judith Light’s age is just one facet of her incredible journey, but it’s clear that her contributions to the arts and to humanitarian causes will continue to resonate for years to come.