Popular television personality and former American politician, Jerry Springer, has passed on at the age of 79.
The America’s Got Talent host died in Chicago on Thursday, after a brief illness, People reports.
A spokesperson for the family, Jene Galvin, confirmed the news, stating that the actor’s loss hurts the family “immensely”.
“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,” Galvin said in a statement. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on.”
Gavin further revealed that the family was already planning a funeral service and memorial gathering to honour the TV icon.
“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.’” He continued.
Jerry anchored his eponymous tabloid talk show, from 1991 to 2018. Before becoming an entertainer, Springer had a career as a lawyer and politician. He was elected Mayor of Cincinnati in 1977. He also hosted the reality TV show, America’s Got Talent, from 2007 to 2008.
Jerry returned to the courtroom in 2019 when he served as a judge on the arbitration-based reality court show, Judge Jerry. The show ran for three seasons before it was cancelled in August 2022.
He also made several appearances on the big screen including the 2004 action movie, The Defender, where he played a fictional US President.
