The entertainment industry was saddened to learn of the passing of talk-show host and former Cincinnati mayor, Jerry Springer. According to a statement from his representative, Springer died on Thursday morning at his Chicago home after a “brief illness.” He was 79 years old.
Longtime friend and family spokesperson Jene Galvin told NBC News that Springer had been battling pancreatic cancer, which ultimately led to his passing. The news came as a shock to a lot of people who were not aware of his illness.
Springer was best known for his controversial talk-show, “The Jerry Springer Show,” which first premiered in 1991 and became a cultural phenomenon. The show was infamous for its outrageous and often confrontational content, featuring guests with controversial and scandalous stories. The show’s tagline, “TV’s most outrageous talk show,” became a cultural catchphrase.
Born in London in 1944, Springer moved to New York with his family as a child. He went to Northwestern University and later earned a law degree from the University of Cincinnati. He started his political career as a member of the Cincinnati City Council before being elected mayor of the city in the 1970s.
After leaving politics, Springer turned to broadcasting, hosting a local Cincinnati news show before landing his own talk show. He went on to host other shows, including “America’s Got Talent” and “Baggage.”
Despite the controversy surrounding his talk show, Springer was well-liked by his colleagues in the entertainment industry. Many celebrities paid tribute to him on social media following news of his passing.
Television host Andy Cohen tweeted, “RIP Jerry Springer – a kind man and a true gentleman who loved his job and his family.” Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres wrote, “Jerry Springer has passed away. I hope he’s found peace.”
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Illness was Sudden
Springer’s impact on popular culture cannot be understated. He was a trailblazer in the world of talk shows, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable content. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and his contribution to the world of entertainment.
The entertainment industry has lost a true icon with the passing of Jerry Springer. He will be missed by his fans, colleagues, and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them during this tough time.
According to Rabbi Kopnick, Springer’s illness was sudden, and he didn’t have cancer for very long before his passing. Springer died on Thursday, April 27th, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loved ones.
While Springer may be best known for his decades-long career as the host of his eponymous and often controversial syndicated talk-show, Rabbi Kopnick remembers him as a kind and generous person who was not accurately portrayed by his on-screen antics.
“He was very, very smart,” Rabbi Kopnick said of Springer. “He was a remarkable family man, and he was somebody who understood what it means to pay it forward.”
Springer’s career in entertainment spanned several decades, and he appeared in multiple films and television shows. His most significant success came as the host of “The Jerry Springer Show,” which premiered in 1991 and ran for over two decades. The show was known for its outrageous content and confrontational guests.
Despite the controversial nature of his talk show, Springer was well-liked by his colleagues in the entertainment industry. His ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success, whether he was working in politics, broadcasting, or just interacting with fans on the street.
In a statement obtained by EW, Springer’s longtime friend and family spokesperson, Jene Galvin, expressed the immense loss felt by those who knew him best. “He’s irreplaceable, and his loss hurts immensely,” she said. “But memories of his intellect, heart, and humor will live on.”
Springer’s passing is a huge loss for the entertainment world, but his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
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Jerry Springer
Born in London, England in 1944, Springer moved with his family to New York City when he was just five years old. He went on to attend Northwestern University, where he earned his law degree before entering politics.
Springer started his political career in the 1970s, serving on Cincinnati’s City Council before being elected as the city’s mayor in 1977. Despite his success in politics, Springer eventually left the field to pursue a career in broadcasting.
In 1991, Springer launched his eponymous talk-show, which would go on to become one of the most successful and controversial shows of its time. Known for its outrageous content and confrontational guests, “The Jerry Springer Show” quickly became a cultural phenomenon, running for over two decades before finally ending its run in 2018.
Despite the controversies that often surrounded his show, Springer was well-respected in the entertainment industry and had a reputation for being a kind and generous person behind the scenes. He appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career, including a memorable cameo in the hit sitcom “Seinfeld.”
In addition to his career in entertainment, Springer was a devoted family man who was deeply committed to philanthropy. He was actively involved in numerous charitable organizations throughout his life, including the Jerry Springer Foundation, which focuses on providing aid to underserved communities.
In the wake of his passing, many in the entertainment industry and beyond have taken to social media to pay tribute to the beloved talk-show host. Singer and television personality Marie Osmond wrote on Twitter, “So sad to hear of the passing of Jerry Springer. He was always so kind and gracious to me. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”
Comedian and television host Conan O’Brien also paid tribute to Springer on Twitter, saying, “RIP Jerry Springer. A great broadcaster and a great guy. We’ll miss him.”
