A former gang member as a teenager. After hearing Jesse Jackson speak, he turned his life around and became a lawyer. In 1995, he was elected to Michigan's 36th District Court. He is the youngest elected judge in Michigan's history.
He has been a licensed judge since 1995.
He and his wife Linda Reese have four children: daughter Jade Mathis (born May 1985); daughter Camara Mathis (born October 1987); son Greg Mathis Junior (born January 1989); and son Amir Mathis (born July 1990).
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 7076 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on May 4, 2022.
Attended and graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Attended and graduated from Eastern Michigan University with his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration. Is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.