Talk show host JERRY SPRINGER, 79, has passed away. He was controversial for his willingness to mix turmoil with amusement on his show, which often featured the seedier side of American life.
Thursday, Springer’s family released a statement to Rolling Stone confirming his death and said he passed away quietly in the Chicago suburbs. No official cause of death was given, but it was recently rumored that Springer had been diagnosed with cancer.
Longtime friend and family spokesman Jene Galvin stated, “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.” Memories of his intelligence, heart, and humor will endure long after his death.
The family has stated that arrangements for a memorial ceremony and funeral are now being made.
Galvin said, “In lieu of flowers, Jerry’s family asks that you consider honoring his memory by helping those less fortunate or by supporting a deserving advocacy group in Jerry’s name.” Take care of yourself and each other,” as he would say as his signature sign-off at the end of each segment.
Springer’s rise to prominence began more modestly, as mayor of Cincinnati in 1977, before he became the most infamous personality on daytime television.
Springer’s show made the former Cincinnati mayor famous across the country, however his political scandal in Cincinnati once made him infamous, but that never got this superstar down.
Cincinatti.com reported on the scandal in 2017, after it was announced that Springer’s long running show was going off the air.
In 1974, Springer was just a city councilman. In terms of political scandals, how things went down in 1974 with Springer might surprise people used to more modern political firestorms.
It started on April 29, a Monday. Popular political columnist Frank Weikel reported on The Enquirer’s front page that a “Cincinnati politico” was involved in a two-state VICE probe. Springer went unnamed, but prostitution was mentioned.
Later that day, “in an abrupt move that shook Cincinnati’s political community,” Springer resigned. The Enquirer still referred to the then-councilman as Gerald. The 30-year-old had just married a year earlier.
In his resignation, he cited “very personal family considerations,” but did not mention the probe.
On Tuesday, he held a news conference alluding to the prostitution investigation at a health club in Fort Wright.
He was described as red-eyed and shaken.
“When I resigned yesterday, I did so because I believed then as I believe now that there are some problems which are better faced as a private citizen,” Springer said.
Then, the whole story came out when Springer voluntarily testified in court in Kentucky.
He said his conscience drove him to contact the FBI after he paid for prostitutes with two personal checks in December 1973 and January 1974.
Remember that all happened when Springer was just a councilman. In 1975, Springer made one of the biggest political comebacks in Cincinnnati history winning back his seat on council. His sincere and direct television ads directly addressing the issue were credited for the win.
In 1977, he was chosen to serve one year as mayor, but his political career didn’t stop.
In 1982, he unsuccessfully ran for governor of Ohio. Then nearly a decade later The Jerry Springer Show debuted. In 1992, it was purchased by NBC and the rest is history.
Even now, Springer continues to flirt with the electorate.
Last year, Business Insider reported that Ohio Democrats wanted Springer to run for Governor after John Kasich’s final term.
The media outlet cited The Enquirer’s interview with Springer in February, which also explored the idea. But Springer said then it’s not happening, although he admitted he still hasn’t ruled out ever returning to politics.
