Jerry Springer, who described himself as a “Talk show host, ringmaster of civilization’s end”, has died at the age of 79.
The host of the “Jerry Springer Show” – the American syndicated tabloid talk show that aired from September 30, 1991, to July 26, 2018 – died at his home in Chicago on Thursday.
The legendary talk show host had been diagnosed with cancer.
His reality show was raw and controversial – ordinary people would air their dirty linen and use foul language on air – much to the amusement of its fans.
Fans would break into chants of “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry” when the quarrelling couples he brought onto television embarrassed themselves – sometimes getting into physical fights.
Somehow, Jerry would end the show with an attempt at resolving the troubling issues and always advised “take care of yourself”.
Unbeknownst to some, Jerry started out as a serious politician and even served as Cincinnati’s 56th mayor in 1977.
At the height of its popularity the Jerry Springer Show attracted more than 12 million viewers.
His family said in a statement that Jerry departed “peacefully”.
