Legendary talk show host Jerry Springer has died at age 79.
Based on an announcement from his family, he died peacefully in his home in suburban Chicago on Thursday.
He had been diagnosed with cancer several months ago and lost his battle this week. He’s survived by his daughter, Katie Springer, 47, who he had along with his ex-wife Micki Velton. Springer was married to Velton between 1973 and 1994.
He also leaves behind a fortune – sources estimate that it ranges from $60 million to $75 million.
His fortune was amassed over an extended and storied profession. Before becoming a colourful and controversial talk show host, Springer was a politician who served on Cincinnati’s City Council in 1971. He was then elected as town’s mayor in 1977, serving only one term.
After that, he went into media. He became a news anchor and commentator at WLWT in Ohio City before taking over his most iconic role as a TV host, when he launched his famous “Jerry Springer” show, which ran from 1991 to 2018.
He was also known for the “Judge Jerry” show, which aired three seasons, the Springer on the Radio Show, Baggage, the Jerry Springer Podcast and he even had a ‘60s folk music radio show in Cincinnati.
He also wrote an autobiography called “Ringmaster” in 1991, and had a surprisingly successful run on “Dancing With the Stars” in 2006 — getting his highest rating with the samba and foxtrot, ultimately earning 5th place.
During a podcast interview in November of 2022, Springer was asked if he considers himself the “granddad of reality TV.” The British-American former host joked: “No, I just apologize. I’m so sorry. What have I done? I’ve ruined the culture.”
“I just hope hell isn’t that hot because I burn real easy. I’m very light-complected, and that type of worries me … I’m only a schlub who got lucky.”
“Jerry’s ability to attach with people was at the guts of his success in every part he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or simply joking with people on the road who wanted a photograph or a word,” family spokesperson Jene Galvin said in an announcement.
“He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will survive.”
The Post reached out to Springer’s rep for comment.