Jerry Springer, the controversial and wildly popular host of The Jerry Springer Show, died on April 27, 2023, at his home in the Chicago suburbs. He was 79.
Springer’s death was confirmed by his family spokesperson, Jene Galvin. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, which Springer had been battling for several months.
Springer was born in London, England, in 1944. He moved to the United States in 1968 and began a career in politics, serving as a member of the Cincinnati City Council and as mayor of Cincinnati from 1977 to 1978.
In 1991, Springer launched The Jerry Springer Show, which quickly became a ratings juggernaut. The show featured guests who engaged in often-outrageous and confrontational discussions about a wide range of topics, including infidelity, plastic surgery, and paternity disputes.
The Jerry Springer Show was a cultural phenomenon, both loved and reviled. It was praised for its willingness to tackle taboo subjects and for its humor, but it was also criticized for its sensationalism and vulgarity.
Despite the controversy, The Jerry Springer Show remained on the air for 27 seasons, making it one of the longest-running talk shows in history. It was also a huge financial success, generating billions of dollars in advertising revenue.
Springer’s death is a major loss for the world of talk television. He was a gifted entertainer and a savvy businessman, and he created a show that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. His legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.
In addition to his work on The Jerry Springer Show, Springer also appeared in several films and television shows, including The Larry Sanders Show, Seinfeld, and Friends. He was also a successful author, writing several books about his life and career.
Springer is survived by his wife, Micki Velton, and their daughter, Katie. He will be remembered as one of the most influential and controversial figures in the history of talk television.