Jerry Springer Dies At 79

Former TV host Jerry Springer, best known for his controversial and chaotic talk show, has died, his family said. He was 79.

“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,” Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the family said in a statement. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”

Springer, who served as mayor of Cincinnati before starting hi dedicated talk show, died peacefully Thursday after a brief illness at his home in suburban Chicago, his family said.

He hosted the tabloid show for 27 seasons, from 1991-2018.

While being the target of naysayers calling his show the “worst show in the history of television” over its absurdities, “Springer” was nonetheless a force in popular culture during its long run.

His show was known for chair-throwing, frequent use of expletives, seedy squabbles and lowest-common-denominator drama, which made it a ratings juggernaut.

In his Twitter bio, Springer described himself as “Talk show host, ringmaster of civilization’s end.”