Jerry Springer, a popular television personality and former American politician, has died at the age of 79.
The America’s Got Talent host died in Chicago on Thursday after a brief illness, People reports.
Jene Galvin, the spokesperson for the family, confirmed the news, and stated that the loss of the actor hurts the family “tremendously”.
“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was the foundation of his success in everything he attempted, whether in politics, broadcasting or joking with people on the street who wanted a picture or a word,” Galvin said in a statement. “He is irreplaceable and his loss hurts deeply, but the memories of his wit, heart and humor will live on.”
Gavin added that the family was already planning a funeral service and memorial fundraiser to honor the TV icon.
“To remember Jerry, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider following his spirit and making a donation or pledge to do an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy charity. As he always said, ‘Take care of yourself, and each other.’ ” he continued.
Jerry hosted his eponymous tabloid from 1991 to 2018. Before becoming an entertainer, Springer pursued a career as a lawyer and politician. He was elected mayor of Cincinnati in 1977. From 2007 to 2008, he also presented America’s Got Talent, a reality show.
Jerry returned to the courtroom in 2019 when he served as a judge on the arbitration-based courtroom reality show, Judge Jerry. The show ran for three seasons before being canceled in August 2022.
He also made several appearances on the big screen, including the 2004 action film The Defender, in which he played a fictional US president.
