Controversial Talk Show Host Legend Jerry Springer Tragically Passes Away at 79

AP reported that Jerry Springer, the onetime Cincinnati mayor and news anchor whose namesake TV show featured a three-ring circus of dysfunctional families willing to bare all on weekday afternoons, died Thursday at his home in suburban Chicago. He was 79.

BREAKING: Jerry Springer, the onetime Cincinnati mayor and news anchor whose namesake TV show featured a three-ring circus of dysfunctional families willing to bare all on weekday afternoons, died at 79. https://t.co/Fvp6Kfs103 pic.twitter.com/yTsvyZ3AmM

— The Associated Press (@AP) April 27, 2023

Springer’s family confirmed his death in a statement, saying he died peacefully. The cause of death was not immediately released.

Springer was born in London in 1944 and grew up in Ohio. He earned a law degree from Northwestern University.

In 1977, he became mayor of Cincinnati. He served one term, during which he was known for his liberal policies and his willingness to take on controversial issues.

In 1991, Springer left politics to host his own talk show, “The Jerry Springer Show.” The show was an instant hit, and Springer became a household name.

The show featured guests who engaged in a variety of outrageous and often violent behavior. It was widely criticized for its exploitation of its guests, but it also drew high ratings and was a major source of revenue for its network, NBC.

Springer hosted the show for 27 years, and it became one of the most popular and influential talk shows in history. He retired from the show in 2018.

In addition to his work on television, Springer also had a successful career in politics and law. He was a city council member in Cincinnati between 1971 and 1974, and he served as mayor of Cincinnati from 1977 to 1978.

Springer was also a lawyer, and he practiced law in Cincinnati for many years. He was known for his work on behalf of civil rights and social justice.

Springer was a controversial figure, but he was also a popular and influential one. He will be remembered for his work on television, in politics, and in law.

He will be missed by many. Our condolences to his family and friends.