Legendary talk show host Jerry Springer has died at age 79.
According to a statement 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 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 a long and storied career. Before becoming a colorful and controversial talk show host, Springer was a politician who served on Cincinnati’s City Council in 1971. He was then elected as the city’s mayor in 1977, serving just one term.
After that, he went into media. He became a news anchor and commentator at WLWT in Ohio City before taking on 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 score 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 kind of worries me … I’m just a schlub who got lucky.”
“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” family spokesperson Jene Galvin said in a statement.
“He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
The Post reached out to Springer’s rep for comment.
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