Jerry Springer, the famous TV presenter who hosted the controversial show “The Jerry Springer Show” for almost three decades, has died at the age of 79. His publicists confirmed the news of his passing, which occurred peacefully at his home in Chicago. Springer was known for his ability to connect with people, whether it was in politics, broadcasting or just joking around with people on the street.
He was described as “irreplaceable” by a friend and spokesman for the family, Jene Galvin. The show, which aired almost 5,000 episodes, was known for its chaotic confrontations, swearing, and infidelity revelations. Tributes were paid by fellow chat show hosts, including Ricki Lake and Piers Morgan, who described Springer as a “TV icon” and “intelligent, warm, funny man.”
Simon Cowell, who worked with Jerry Springer on America’s Got Talent, paid tribute to him saying that he loved working with him, hanging out with him, and arguing with him about politics. Springer was born in a London Underground station in 1944, where his Jewish refugee parents were sheltering from a German bombing raid. He moved to Queens, New York, when he was four years old.
After studying political science and law at university, he worked in politics and served as mayor of Cincinnati before switching to TV journalism. The Jerry Springer Show, launched in 1991, started as a normal talk show but later shifted its focus to salacious and outrageous content to increase ratings. Despite criticism, Springer defended the show.
The Jerry Springer Show focused on family issues and revelations of adultery and other misdeeds, and Jerry Springer would attempt to mediate, but the encounters frequently ended in physical altercations, with security guards having to intervene. The audience often chanted “Jerry! Jerry!” during tense moments. Springer described his show as “escapist entertainment”, while critics accused it of contributing to a decline in social values and a dumbing-down of television.
On Twitter, he humorously referred to himself as “talk show host, ringmaster of civilization’s end.” He often joked with people he met, saying, “May you never be on my show.”
Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright
