Legendary TV host Jerry Springer has died aged seventy-nine, with his cause of death now having been revealed.
The star was best known for presenting The Jerry Springer Show for twenty-seven years, from 1991 to 2018.
During his time at the show’s helm, it became a notorious defining feature of daytime television, featuring on-air fist fights, swearing and infidelity revelations.
Aside from his iconic TV show, Springer was also known for his political work, including his roles as a reporter and commentator, as well as being elected the mayor of Cincinnati in 1971.
One of the star’s close friends, Jene Galvin, described him in a statement as “irreplaceable.”
“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,” he said, via the BBC.
“He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on.”
A family spokesperson told TMZ that he died following a ‘brief illness’. Sources have also confirmed to the site that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago, and that this took a turn for the worse, forcing him to stop his work at a local radio station in Cincinnati.
He died peacefully at his home in Chicago, and is succeeded by his 2 daughters, Evelyn and Katie.
Fans have been reacting to the heartbreaking news of his death on social media.
One person said: “Oh no… RIP Jerry Springer… Thank you for giving 90s kids something to watch when we stayed home “sick” from school.”
Another said: “RIP to an absolute legend, Jerry Springer you will always be famous.”
A third wrote: “For better or worse, Jerry Springer changed the landscape of daytime TV and live TV. He was era-defining. He also half raised some of y’all.”
A fourth echoed the same sentiment: “Damn… Just saw that Jerry Springer passed away at 79… Whether you loved him or hated him, that guy made one heck of an impact on daytime talk shows…”
“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,” a fifth commented.
Rest in peace, Jerry Springer.
