Legendary TV talk show host Jerry Springer died peacefully at home on Thursday after a battle with cancer. He was 79.
Jerry’s family confirmed to TMZ he died at his home in Chicago.
The presenter hosted “The Jerry Springer Show” for nearly three decades from 1991, becoming a byword for TV performance in the process – both at home in the U.S. and around the world.
In a statement, Jene Galvin, a friend of Springer’s and spokesman for the family, described him as “irreplaceable.”
Jerry Springer visits SiriusXM Studios on February 25, 2020 in New York City. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
“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 said, according to the BBC.
File/Ex-mayor/news anchorman/talk show host Jerry Springer yelling into mike & gesturing w. his hand while taping The Jerry Springer Show in front of an audience at the NBC studio. (Steve Kagan/Getty)
File/ TV personality Jerry Springer during an interview with host Jay Leno on June 23, 1995. (Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/via Getty Images)
“He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on.”
At its peak, “The Jerry Springer Show” was a ratings powerhouse and a U.S. cultural phenomonon synonymous with lurid drama and daily surprises, as AP reports.
Known for chair-throwing and bleep-filled arguments, the talk show was a favorite American diversion over its 27-year run, at one point topping Oprah Winfrey’s show.
File/Jerry Springer (C) poses with cast from Chicago at The Cambridge Theatre on February 17, 2009 in London, England. Jerry Springer starred in the hit musical for six weeks from Monday 1 June 2009 playing the part of Billy Flynn. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images, File)
After more than 4,000 episodes, the show ended in 2018.
Prior to his broadcasting career, which included roles as a political reporter and commentator, Springer was the mayor of Cincinnati and a political campaign adviser to Robert F Kennedy.
More to come…