Legendary talk-show host Jerry Springer has died at age 79. Bradley Singer, a representative for Springer, confirmed that Springer died peacefully at his home in Chicago on Thursday morning following a brief bout with pancreatic cancer.
Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the Springer family, said in a statement: “Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting, or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word. He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart, and humor will live on. To remember Jerry, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider following his spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization. As he always said, ‘Take care of yourself, and each other.’”
Springer is best known for hosting his talk show ‘The Jerry Springer Show,’ which ran from 1991 to 2018. Guests shared their problems on the talk show, which ranged from accusations of infidelity to demands for paternity tests (and often culminated with physical altercations that had to be stopped by the show’s director of security). The series featured audience members chanting, “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!” upon Springer’s entrance.
In addition to his time on television, Springer had a prolific career as a politician, starting out as a councilman in Cincinnati before becoming the city’s mayor from 1977 to 1978. He then switched up his career, working for WLWT as an anchor. Later on during the time hosting his talk show, Springer also made cameos in numerous films including 1999’s Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and on television shows, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Simpsons, and The X-Files.
The final episode of The Jerry Springer Show aired in July 2018. The following year, Springer made his return to TV with ‘Judge Jerry’, a reality court show which ran for three seasons until August 2022.
Springer is survived by his daughter Katie Springer, and his older sister Evelyn.
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