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'End of an era': Tributes pour in as legendary TV host Jerry Springer dies at 79

'Other than my father, Jerry was the most influential man in my life. Everything I have today, I owe to Jerry,' said Steve Wilkos

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Tributes are pouring in following the shocking death of legendary TV host and former politician Jerry Springer. The 79-year-old, famous for his talk show 'The Jerry Springer Show,' passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago.

According to reports, Springer was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. It is still unknown if his death was a result of complications from the disease. Jene Galvin, the family spokesperson, expressed the family's grief in a statement, saying, "He's irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely."

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'He was the smartest, most generous, kindest person I’ve ever known'

'The Jerry Springer Show's fan favorite Steve Wilkos, who later had his own daytime series, 'Forever in his heart' was among the fans who shared their tributes. "Other than my father, Jerry was the most influential man in my life. Everything I have today, I owe to Jerry," Wilkos, 59, told Us Weekly in a statement on Thursday, April 27. “He was the smartest, most generous, kindest person I’ve ever known. My wife [Rachelle Wilkos] and I are devastated. We will miss him terribly.”

'He always said, ‘Take care of yourself, and each other''

Galvin continued, “To remember Jerry, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, you consider following his spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization. As he always said, ‘Take care of yourself, and each other.’”

'The Jerry Springer Show' ran for 27 years airing 4000 episodes. The former mayor of Cincinnati made a comeback to daytime television in 2019 with his syndicated courtroom program 'Judge Jerry'. The last episode of the three-season television series aired in 2022.

'He was joyful, smart, and, in his own way, a unique showman'

TV personality Maury Povich also expressed shock, stating, "I am shocked and saddened by the passing of Jerry. He was not only a colleague but a friend. We worked for the same company for decades. He was joyful, smart, and, in his own way, a unique showman. I will miss him.”  

'End of an era'

The American comedian and TV host Loni Love tweeted, "What I loved about Jerry Springer was the way he connected with people in a unique and authentic manner. This is why as a talk show host he excelled… condolences to his family and fans on his passing..  🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾," Love tweeted alongside a selfie with Springer. DJ Steve Aoki expressed, to the US Weekly that it was an "end of an era."

Whoopi Goldberg said on The View that she loved Springers show, continuing, "I'm not afraid to say it," she continued. "He was a great guy and he was really fun and that show is as crazy as it gets, but there's a place for everyone here."

Springer's former publicist, Gary Rosen, told People, Jerry was a "nice guy" who was "low-key [and] understated." He added, "Jerry said the only thing he wanted to be remembered for is being a good father and grandfather. The rest — the celebrity part — he said is just ego," Rosen continued. "I will remember him [as] a class act, who was a true mensch to his star, crew, and fans from all over the world."

'Jeez, this sucks. RIP Jerry Springer, 79'

Sally Jessy Raphael said, "I'm extremely sad at the news of Jerry Springer's passing. He was a bright, funny man whom I considered to be a friend. He will be missed." Piers Morgan, the British broadcaster tweeted, "Jeez, this sucks. RIP Jerry Springer, 79. TV icon & such an intelligent, warm, funny man. Loved working with him (on @AGT), loved hanging out with him (we lived in same hotel for 2yrs), loved arguing with him (he loved his politics), loved everything about him. Gutting."