Jerry Springer, 79, has passed away.
The TV legend was best known for his successful show, The Jerry Springer Show, which aired for 27 years.
‘Jerry’s capacity to connect with people was at the core of his success in everything he attempted, whether that was politics, broadcasting, or just laughing with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,’ a family representative said in a statement.
‘He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.’
A source close to the family told TMZ that he had been diagnosed with cancer a few months ago.
According to the site, his health deteriorated and he died at his home in Chicago this week.
Tributes flooded in on social media quickly after the news broke, with distraught admirers stating how much the TV personality meant to them.
‘Heartbroken that Jerry Springer is dead. Dude was an absolute legend. A true renaissance man (so to speak). He will be missed,’ one penned.
‘”Till next time, take care of yourselves and each other” – RIP #JerrySpringer,’ another wrote.
‘RIP Jerry Springer a true legend, loved watching his shows growing up,’ a follower commented.
‘What?! No way! Jerry Springer brought so much entertainment to TV with his show,’ a Twitter user added.
‘He will be missed. Such a legend.’
The London-born broadcaster began his career in politics as a campaign aide to Robert F. Kennedy.
He campaigned for Congress in 1970, but lost to Donald Clancy. The following year, he was elected to the Cincinnati City Council, where he served for three years.
Springer went on to have a successful career as a local political pundit on television before launching the legendary Jerry Springer Show in September 1991.
The show began as a politics chat show before the late star chose to change the format, transforming it into one of the most-watched shows at the time.
He was famous for inviting people from all walks of life onto the stage to voice their complaints in front of a live audience, which frequently resulted in dramatic confrontations, debates, and tears.
At its peak, the Jerry Springer Show garnered more than 12 million people in 1998, surpassing the Oprah Winfrey Show at the time.
Source My Celebrity Life.