Veteran TV Host Jerry Springer Dies at 79

Longtime politician turned television host Jerry Springer has died at 79. Springer’s executive producer from his most recent podcast, Jene Galvin, confirmed to the press that the he died after “a brief illness.” He passed at his home in the suburbs of Chicago. Before he rose to national fame with the infamously chaotic “The Jerry Springer Show,” the host experienced his own personal chaos.

Springer’s Career

Springer graduated from Northwestern University Law in 1968, and immediately pursued a career in politics. He was elected to Chicago’s City Council in 1971. Springer then resigned in 1974, after evidence surfaced that he wrote a check to a prostitute in Kentucky. Just one year later, Springer was reelected, and went on to serve as the Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1977. After losing the Ohio gubernatorial race in 1982, Springer made a big career change.

He joined WLWT-TV as a news commentator and anchor, winning several midwest Emmy awards. Just a few years later, he started “The Jerry Springer Show”, an “issue-oriented” talk show. From paternity tests to on-air feuds, the show covered a wide range of controversies on a national scale from 1991 to 2018. The show’s viewership peaked in 1998 with eight million viewers. The host famously ended each episode with “Take care of yourself, and each other.”

Springer later got into the world of podcasting, with “The Jerry Springer Podcast” appearing on Apple Podcasts. He famously condemned the actions of several conservative politicians, from former President Donald Trump to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Social Media Tributes

Today, social media users reflect on Springer’s controversial show. While the program turned heads on countless occasions throughout its long television run, many are crediting Springer with initiating the conversations no one else was having on television.

Many are applauding Springer for combatting racism on multiple occasions throughout his career. On one episode, the host invited audience members to punch members of the Klu Klux Klan, one of the oldest hate groups in the United States. The host’s inclusivity of diverse communities during a time when this was not commonplace continues to be remembered upon his passing.

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Others recount the humorously memorable moments on the program. Jerry Springer always had the most dramatic appearances on his show, captivating audiences for decades.

Others recount that despite the unbelievable nature of the show, many feel that Springer’s words of wisdom at the end of the program were often incredibly valuable.

Despite Springer’s dramatic program being home to some positive progress, other social media users are reminding people to be objective on the host’s persona. While he was an open critic of hate groups and conservative politicians, he expressed a lack of literacy on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender people.

In executive producer Jene Galvin’s statement on Springer’s death, she encouraged people to “follow his spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization.” Galvin will announce funeral services.

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