Talk show host Jerry Springer has died, according to a statement from his family. He was 79.
The former mayor of Cincinnati died peacefully at his Chicago home, his family said. A source told TMZ Springer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago and took a turn for the worse.
“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, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the family. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
He hosted the popular and controversial “The Jerry Springer Show” for 27 years, known for its crazy fights and over-the-top guests, in which the audience regularly broke out in chants of “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!”
Springer was Cincinnati’s 56th mayor in 1977, then became a news anchor and commentator at WLWT in the city, before his iconic role as a talk show host in the 90s.
From WLWT:
Funeral services and a memorial gathering are currently being developed. To remember Jerry, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider following his spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization. As he always said, “Take care of yourself, and each other.”