Controversial TV presenter Jerry Springer passes away at age 79 after a secret battle with cancer
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It’s with a heavy heart that we share the news that Jerry Springer, the outrageous and hugely successful but controversial figure in US television, has passed away at the age of 79.
A family spokesperson has confirmed the death following a 'brief illness' although more details of Springer’s health battles have since been revealed.
US tabloid TMZ reports that 'a few months ago' Springer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which–according to a source–significantly worsened this week, before his 'peaceful' death in his home in Chicago.
In March of 2021, Jerry was still working, hosting a folk music show on a Cincinnati radio station.
And just a few weeks prior, in February, he appeared on Channel 7’s The Morning Show looking in good spirits while speaking to hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies.
Credit: YouTube/7News Australia
Chances are that you are familiar with Jerry Springer as the presenter of The Jerry Springer Show. This program was enjoyed by many viewers as a guilty pleasure during its 27-year run. At one point, it even surpassed Oprah Winfrey's show in popularity!
Springer often described his show as 'escapist entertainment'. However, the salacious content of the show–like titles such as 'Stripper Sex Turned Me Straight', 'Stop Pimpin’ My Twin Sister,’ and 'Hooking Up With My Therapist'--often caused outrage and concern for social values.
However, during the late 1990s, as his daily show approached seven million viewers, Jerry Springer released a ‘Too Hot For TV’ video in which he defended his show.
‘Look, television does not and must not create values. It’s merely a picture of all that’s out there — the good, the bad, the ugly,’ he said in the episode.
He argued that the people who appeared on his show willingly subjected themselves to any form of mockery or embarrassment that may come their way.
Springer added: ‘Believe this: the politicians and companies that seek to control what each of us may watch are a far greater danger to America and our treasured freedom than any of our guests ever were or could be.’
After airing for over 4000 episodes, The Jerry Springer Show eventually came to an end in 2018.
No matter what you may have thought or felt about him or the show, Jerry Springer had to be respected as a formidable figure with charisma.
'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,' family spokesman Jene Galvin said.
‘He’s irreplaceable, and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on.’
Jerry Springer is survived by his daughter, Katie, as well as his ex-wife, Micki Velton.
His death at only 79 is an unexpected loss, especially with his influence still being felt through recent radio and TV work.
Our thoughts are with Jerry Springer's family and those who have enjoyed his work over the years.
Are you a fan of Jerry Springer? Which episodes of his show do you recall as being the most memorable for you? Share them with us in the comments below!
A family spokesperson has confirmed the death following a 'brief illness' although more details of Springer’s health battles have since been revealed.
US tabloid TMZ reports that 'a few months ago' Springer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which–according to a source–significantly worsened this week, before his 'peaceful' death in his home in Chicago.
In March of 2021, Jerry was still working, hosting a folk music show on a Cincinnati radio station.
And just a few weeks prior, in February, he appeared on Channel 7’s The Morning Show looking in good spirits while speaking to hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies.
Credit: YouTube/7News Australia
Chances are that you are familiar with Jerry Springer as the presenter of The Jerry Springer Show. This program was enjoyed by many viewers as a guilty pleasure during its 27-year run. At one point, it even surpassed Oprah Winfrey's show in popularity!
Springer often described his show as 'escapist entertainment'. However, the salacious content of the show–like titles such as 'Stripper Sex Turned Me Straight', 'Stop Pimpin’ My Twin Sister,’ and 'Hooking Up With My Therapist'--often caused outrage and concern for social values.
However, during the late 1990s, as his daily show approached seven million viewers, Jerry Springer released a ‘Too Hot For TV’ video in which he defended his show.
‘Look, television does not and must not create values. It’s merely a picture of all that’s out there — the good, the bad, the ugly,’ he said in the episode.
He argued that the people who appeared on his show willingly subjected themselves to any form of mockery or embarrassment that may come their way.
Jerry Springer, a controversial figure in television due to his talk show which explores topics that can be a ‘concern for social values’, passed away at 79. Credit: Shutterstock.
Springer added: ‘Believe this: the politicians and companies that seek to control what each of us may watch are a far greater danger to America and our treasured freedom than any of our guests ever were or could be.’
After airing for over 4000 episodes, The Jerry Springer Show eventually came to an end in 2018.
No matter what you may have thought or felt about him or the show, Jerry Springer had to be respected as a formidable figure with charisma.
'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,' family spokesman Jene Galvin said.
‘He’s irreplaceable, and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on.’
Jerry Springer is survived by his daughter, Katie, as well as his ex-wife, Micki Velton.
His death at only 79 is an unexpected loss, especially with his influence still being felt through recent radio and TV work.
Our thoughts are with Jerry Springer's family and those who have enjoyed his work over the years.
Are you a fan of Jerry Springer? Which episodes of his show do you recall as being the most memorable for you? Share them with us in the comments below!
