Iconic TV Host Jerry Springer Dies Aged 79

On Thursday, Jerry Springer, best known for hosting the eponymous Jerry Springer Show for nearly three decades, died.

According to his publicists, Springer died peacefully at his home in Chicago. Jene Galvin, a close friend of the late talk show host and spokesperson for his family, described him as “irreplaceable”.

Springer enjoyed a storied career as a lawyer, journalist, politician, and actor, but he was best known as a TV personality. Over the course of his career, he presented popular shows in the US, including America’s Got Talent, Judge Jerry, and Jerry Springer.

Jerry Springer passes away

“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,” said Jene Galvin.

“He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely,” Galvin continued, “But memories of his intellect, heart, and humor will live on.”

Galvin previously worked with Springer on the latter’s Air America radio program as a writer and later as the executive producer of the Jerry Springer Podcast.

Some media outlets have reported that Springer’s cause of death was pancreatic cancer. He was reportedly diagnosed a few months ago, and his health took a turn for the worse this week.

Several celebrities and TV personalities paid their respects publicly and praised Springer on social media.

News anchor Nick Foley commented in a tweet, “His shows 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.”

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
📷encyclopediabritannica pic.twitter.com/yEh1KTeD2P

— Nick Foley (@NickFoleyNews) April 27, 2023

Piers Morgan, a well-known British broadcaster, journalist, and TV host also paid his respects to Springer, saying “Jeez, this sucks. RIP Jerry Springer, 79.”

“TV icon & such an intelligent, warm, funny man. Loved working with him (on@AGT), 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,” Morgan continued.

Life and career

Gerald Norman Springer was born on February 14, 1944, in the London Underground Station of Highgate whilst it was being used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War. He moved with his family to the US when he was four.

Springer’s career included stints as a lawyer, politician, and actor. He even served as the Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio, for one year between 1977 and 1978. However, he was best known for his career in television.

Springer’s most famous – and often controversial – TV role was as the host of the Jerry Springer Show. In most episodes, participants would be brought on to resolve familial or social issues, such as adultery, with Springer acting as a mediator and host.

However, in an effort to bolster views, Springer brought outrage and sensationalism into the frame. Guests would often launch themselves at each other and would have to be restrained by security guards. Although this attracted controversy and criticism, it proved immensely popular and Springer’s show was the most popular daytime television event in the late 1990s.

Springer also turned his talents toward hosting America’s Got Talent between 2007 and 2008 and the courtroom show Judge Jerry which ran between 2019 and 2022.