Jerry Springer dead: Legendary talk show host has died aged 79 as family pay tribute

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Jerry Springer, one of the most influential and controversial figures in TV history, has died at the age of 79, his family said in a statement.

Talk show host Jerry Springer has died at the age of 79, according to a family statement. He hosted one of the most influential and controversial talk shows of all time, The Jerry Springer Show, for 27 years.

It is understood that Mr Springer died following a “brief illness” and “peacefully” at his Chicago home on Thursday morning (April 27). He served as the 56th Mayor of Cincinnati from 1977 to 1978 and his life inspired a musical - Jerry Springer: The Opera, which ran in London from 2003 until 2005.

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Family spokesperson Jene Galvin said: “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’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on.”

TV personality Jerry Springer has died at the age of 79.TV personality Jerry Springer has died at the age of 79.
TV personality Jerry Springer has died at the age of 79. | Getty Images

Born Gerald Norman Springer, Mr Springer was born in Highgate tube station while it was in use as a bomb shelter during World War II. At the age of four in 1949, he immigrated with his parents from London to New York City.

Tributes for the TV personality have poured in on social media. Television presenter and model Lizzie Cundy wrote on Twitter: “So very sad to hear Jerry Springer has died. King of the talk shows and one of our most controversial figures in TV history.”

TV commentator Adam Brooks posted: “Jerry Springer has died, now that’s a name that reminds me of growing up. RIP.” News anchor Nick Foley tweeted: “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.”

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