Sinead Butler
Apr 27, 2023
content.jwplatform.com
Jerry Springer, the legendary US TV talk show host, has died aged 79.
Springer's family released a statement confirming that the presenter passed away “peacefully” at home in Chicago on Thursday (April 27).
“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," Jene Galvin, a spokesperson for Jerry's family said.
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“He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
Springer was perhaps best known as host of the The Jerry Springer Show which was famously named the “Worst TV Show of All Time", though it was a ratings hit with controversial topics, punch-ups and nudity.
The eponymous tabloid talk show went on for 27 seasons, with nearly 5,000 episodes, running from 1991-2018, and during this time the show was criticised for exploiting the misfortunes of their guests.
Other shows Springer also appeared on included as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer as well as a judge on America's Got Talent.
Before his talk show days, Springer - who was a lifelong Democrat - had a political career as he previously worked as an aide for Robert F Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign, then was elected to Cincinnati's City Council in 1971 and later became Mayor of Cincinnati from 1977 to 1978.
Here are some of the tributes to him that famous figures have shared on social media:
Broadcaster Piers Morgan, who worked with Springer as a fellow judge on America’s Got Talent for two seasons described him as "an intelligent, warm, funny man."
\u201cJeez, this sucks. \nRIP Jerry Springer, 79. \nTV 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.\u201d— Piers Morgan (@Piers Morgan) 1682609561
Comedian Loni Love described how she loved the way Springer "connected with people in a unique and authentic manner."
\u201cWhat 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\u2026 condolences to his family and fans on his passing.. \ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffe\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffe\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffe\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffe\u201d— Loni Love (@Loni Love) 1682606690
YouTuber, rapper and boxer, KSI took to Twitter to pay tribute to Springer, noting how his show "made my off days at school so much more entertaining."
\u201cRip Jerry Springer. You made my off days at school so much more entertaining\u201d— ksi (@ksi) 1682606374
TV presenter Alex Beresford quoted Springer's famous catchphrase and added: "He kept me and my brother glued to the telly as kids."
\u201c\u2018Take care of yourself and each other\u2019 RIP Jerry Springer. He kept me and my brother glued to the telly as kids \ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffd\u201d— Alex Beresford (@Alex Beresford) 1682608439
Retired Iranian-American professional wrestler, Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, aka The Iron Sheik, shared his love for Springer.
\u201cJERRY SPRINGER I LOVE YOU FOREVER BUBBA. THIS VIDEO REMIND ME THAT YOU WERE THE LEGEND OF THE EARTH LIKE THE IRON SHEIK. GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER\u201d— The Iron Sheik (@The Iron Sheik) 1682607279
\u201cRIP Jerry Springer. He was there every sick day growing up\u201d— Jada \ud83d\ude0f (@Jada \ud83d\ude0f) 1682605167
\u201cWHAT DO U MEAN JERRY SPRINGER DEAD???\u201d— jae \u0b68\u0b67 (@jae \u0b68\u0b67) 1682605117
\u201cSad to hear that Jerry Springer has passed away. \nHere's Jerry's final thought that almost brought him to tears. \n'Deep down we are all the same... to be liked, accepted, respected and not to mention loved is the greatest gift of all... take care of yourself and each other.'\u201d— The Sting (@The Sting) 1682607705
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