Aimee Walker
Legendary talk show host Jerry Springer has died.
Springer, whose real name was Gerald, was an American broadcaster, journalist, actor and former lawyer.
For 27 years, he hosted the smash hit programme The Jerry Springer Show, which was known for its outrageous guests.
From 1977 to ’78, Springer was also the mayor of Cincinnati.
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Tragically, it has now been confirmed that the icon has died aged 79.
A statement from Springer’s family has revealed that he passed away peacefully while at his home in Chicago on Thursday morning.
While his cause of death has yet to be disclosed, his family has confirmed that the talk show host was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago – with his health taking a turn for the worse this week.
Family spokesman Jene Galvin tells TMZ: “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.”
Many of Springer’s fans have taken to Twitter to pay tribute.
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One writes: “Gen X and Millennials grew up watching his supremely entertaining shows when they stayed home sick from school.
“He was an American cultural icon If his show was around today, he’d have billions of viral views.
“Rest in Peace Jerry.”
Another adds: “Damn… Just saw that Jerry Springer passed away at 79…
“Whether you loved him or hated him, that guy made one heck of an impact on daytime talk shows.”
While somebody else says: “Oh no…RIP Jerry Springer…
“Thank you for giving 90s kids something to watch when we stayed home ‘sick’ from school.”
On the social media platform, Springer described himself as a ‘talk show host and ‘ringmaster of civilization’s end’.
On his hit talk show, his outrageous guests would get into fights – with many of the expletives bleeped out – while the audience would cheer his name.
Although Springer branded it ‘escapist entertainment’, others criticised the show and argued that it was a contribution to the decline in American social values.
Before becoming a legendary TV personality, the late star had a failed campaign for US Congress in 1970.
In 1971, he was then elected to Cincinnati’s City Council before becoming mayor in 1977 and serving one term.
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Before taking on his TV role, Springer became a news anchor and commentator at WLWT in Ohio.
During the 90s, his show became so popular that he even managed to top Oprah Winfrey’s programme in several cities.
In 2018, the programme went off the air and for three seasons, Springer had the courtroom show Judge Jerry.
His final TV appearance came on last season’s The Masked Singer, in which he performed a Frank Sinatra classic while dressed as ‘The Beetle’.
Springer is survived by his daughter Katie – who he shares with Micki Velton – and his sister Evelyn.
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