Jerry Springer, the legendary talk show host, died at the age of 79. According to TMZ, a family spokesperson revealed that the TV personality died on Thursday, April 27, after a “brief illness.” According to people who spoke to the newspaper, Springer was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago.
Springer was born in Highgate, London, in 1944 and began his professional career in politics. He campaigned unsuccessfully for U.S. Congress in 1970 and was elected to the Cincinnati City Council the following year. Springer was elected mayor of Cincinnati in 1977 and served one term.
In 1991, he began presenting the famous talk show The Jerry Springer Show after leaving politics for a career in television. The controversial series aired for 27 years and was recognized across the world for its quirky guests and the crowd’s chant of “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry.” Springer’s other significant TV credits include hosting America’s Got Talent from 2007 to 2008 and the courtroom show Judge Jerry.
Following his death, fans and celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to the late talk show host while also recalling some of his most outrageous moments from his long-running series.
“I had several ill days with Jerry Springer.” “Rest easy, friend,” one Twitter user said, while comedian Loni Love posted in an online tribute: “What I liked about Jerry Springer was the way he connected with people in a unique and honest way.” This is why he did so well as a talk show presenter.”
More social media reactions to Jerry Springer’s death can be found below.
What 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… condolences to his family and fans on his passing.. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/LdqYyKluyo
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) April 27, 2023
Wow, Jerry Springer died. R.I.P to a truly interesting man. Everyone knew him for drama and paternity test reveals, but few people know he was once the Mayor of Cincinnati, a lawyer, and a serious democrat politician.
— Olayemi Olurin (@msolurin) April 27, 2023
Jeez, this sucks.
RIP Jerry Springer, 79.
TV 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. pic.twitter.com/D9KFJMvfaq— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 27, 2023
I spent many a sick day with Jerry Springer. Rest easy, friend. 💔
— Cinderella Drunk.gif (she/her) (@kittypirateship) April 27, 2023
Jerry Springer will be remembered as the ringmaster of an embarrassing, tabloid-style TV show. But I met him earlier, when he was a mayor and insurgent progressive candidate for governor of Ohio in a race I covered. He was funny, self-effacing & incisive. https://t.co/HDFNADACEg
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) April 27, 2023
RIP Jerry Springer. He was there every sick day growing up pic.twitter.com/2XiwaAxmap
— Jada 😏 (@squiliamfancy) April 27, 2023
His shows over the years could certainly raise some eyebrows but on the few occasions I got to briefly interview him over the years #JerrySpringer was always a class act and a pleasure to speak to. #RIP
📷encyclopediabritannica pic.twitter.com/yEh1KTeD2P— Nick Foley (@NickFoleyNews) April 27, 2023
RIP to Jerry Springer. Here’s a clip of his Final Thoughts on his very last show. As he always says, “take care of yourself and each other.” pic.twitter.com/LJWKw4q3Rg
— x – Wagon (@trap_wagon) April 27, 2023
Rip Jerry Springer. You made my off days at school so much more entertaining
— ksi (@KSI) April 27, 2023
Man Jerry Springer passed away….RIP Legend. man protect Maury. pic.twitter.com/TJ1htM795j
— monarch the great (@OneMonarchTwo) April 27, 2023
Jene Galvin, a longtime friend of Springer’s and a spokesman for his family, said in an emotional statement that the talk show host is “irreplaceable.”
“Jerry’s capacity to connect with people was central to his success in whatever he attempted. His passing is heartbreaking, but memories of his intelligence, compassion, and sense of humor will live on,” the statement added.