Legendary talk show host and news anchor Jerry Springer is no more. He died peacefully at his home in Chicago on Thursday, April 27th after battling pancreatic cancer for a short period. He was 79 years old.
Springer was most famous for his The Jerry Springer Show, which he hosted from 1991 to 2018. The controversial show popularized confrontational daytime television and made the host a household name. Read on to know more about Springer’s life and career.
Jerry Springer Passes Away at 79
Springer’s family announced his death with a statement on Thursday: “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 humour will live on,” added the statement. Born in London in 1944, Springer shifted to New York City with his family at the age of 4. He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Tulane University in 1965, followed by a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University in 1968.
After practicing law for some time, Springer began his political career and was elected to the Cincinnati City Council in 1971. In 1977, he was chosen as the Mayor of the city for one year. He then shifted focus to broadcast and became a political reporter and commentator on NBC affiliate, WLWT.
The Jerry Springer Show was On-Air for 27 Seasons
The Jerry Springer Show debuted in 1991 and was focused on discussing important issues in the beginning. However, the producers soon changed the format to achieve better ratings. By 1994, the show featured common people who were confronted on stage by their families or spouses on personal issues.
The formula worked, and the show saw a huge spike in ratings. In 1998, the series beat The Oprah Winfrey Show in terms of ratings. The Jerry Springer Show ended aired its last episode in July 2018. The host then got a new show, a courtroom reality series named Judge Jerry. The show was canceled in March 2022 after three seasons.
Tributes Pour in for Springer
A number of industry colleagues have paid tributes to Springer following his demise. Piers Morgan tweeted, “Jeez, this sucks. RIP Jerry Springer, 79. TV icon & such an intelligent, warm, funny man. Loved working with him loved hanging out with him (we lived in same hotel for 2yrs), loved arguing with him (he loved his politics), loved everything about him. Gutting.”
News anchor Nick Foley wrote, “His shows over the years could certainly raise some eyebrows but on the few occasions I got to briefly interview him over the years #JerrySpringer was always a class act and a pleasure to speak to. #RIP.”
“What I loved about Jerry Springer was the way he connected with people in a unique and authentic manner. This is why as a talk show host he excelled… condolences to his family and fans on his passing,” tweeted Comedian Loni Love.
Our condolences to Jerry Springer’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace!
