Jerry Springer, a well-known television personality and former American politician, has died at the age of 79.
People reports that the America’s Got Talent host passed away in Chicago on Thursday after a brief illness.
Jene Galvin, a family spokesperson, verified the news and stated that the family is “immensely” distressed by the actor’s passing.
“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was the driving force behind his success in everything he attempted, whether it was politics, broadcasting, or simply joking with strangers on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” Galvin said in a statement. “He is irreplaceable, and his loss is extremely painful, but memories of his intelligence, heart, and wit will endure.”
Gavin revealed that the family was already organizing a memorial service and funeral for the television icon.
"In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider following Jerry’s spirit by making a donation or committing an act of compassion to a person in need or a worthy advocacy organization. As he always said, “Take care of each other and yourself.” He persisted.
From 1991 to 2018, Jerry anchored his eponymous tabloid talk program. Before becoming a comedian, Jerry Springer was a lawyer and politician. In 1977, he was elected mayor of Cincinnati. From 2007 to 2008, he also hosted the reality television program America’s Got Talent.
In 2019, Jerry returned to the courtroom as a judge on the arbitration-based reality court program Judge Jerry. The show was terminated in August 2022 after three seasons.
He also appeared in several films, including the 2004 action film The Defender, in which he portrayed a fictional US president.