Jerry Springer Dead at 79

TMZ has confirmed that Jerry Springer, one of the most influential and controversial figures in TV history, has died at 79. Jerry hosted the smash hit syndicated talk show “The…

Matt Knight

Updated Apr 27, 2023 10:32 AM EDT

Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images

TMZ has confirmed that Jerry Springer, one of the most influential and controversial figures in TV history, has died at 79.

Jerry hosted the smash hit syndicated talk show "The Jerry Springer Show" for 27 years ... and it was never a boring moment on the raucous and wild show -- which was known for its outrageous guests who usually got into crazy fights as the audience cheered, "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!"

Before TV, he was a politician who ran a failed campaign for U.S. Congress in 1970, got elected to Cincinnati's City Council in 1971 and became the city's mayor in 1977. He served one term.

But, Springer became a worldwide sensation with his show which debuted in 1991. Most people won't remember this, but when he started Jerry's show focused on political issues. Of course, it eventually became the exact opposite and a ratings smash. Jerry's show was so popular in the late '90s, it even topped Oprah Winfrey's in several cities. 'Springer' finally went off the air in 2018.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1X5R0sbUOc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quBb0lHFk2c

He made one more run in TV, with his courtroom show, "Judge Jerry," which ran for 3 seasons. Jerry's last TV appearance came last season on "The Masked Singer" where he performed as "The Beetle," singing a Frank Sinatra classic.

He's survived by his daughter Katie Springer and his sister Evelyn.

Matt KnightEditor

Matt Knight is the afternoon host and Program Director at 100.1 WJRZ. He's always down to participate in events that involve as little physical activity as possible because it's all about being chill.

Jerry Springer Dead at 79

TMZ has confirmed that Jerry Springer, one of the most influential and controversial figures in TV history, has died at 79. Jerry hosted the smash hit syndicated talk show “The…

Matt Knight

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