Take Care of Yourself and Each Other

"Shocked and Saddened" Maury Povich Pays Tribute to Jerry Springer After His Death

Maury Povich is mourning the the death of Jerry Springer 

After learning of The Jerry Springer show hosts death, the Maury alum expressed his condolences.

"I am shocked and saddened by the passing of Jerry," he said in a statement to E! News about his fellow TV host. "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." 

Povich wasn't the only one to pay tribute. Following Springer's death, a sign outside of his studio featured one of his quotes, "Take care of yourself and each other."

On April 27, Springer died peacefully at his home in suburban Chicago following a brief illness, his family confirmed to E! News. He was 79 years old. 

"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," friend and family spokesman Jene Galvin said in a statement. "He's irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on."

Springer hosted The Jerry Springer Show, in which confrontations and feuds played out in front of an audience, from 1991 to 2018.

"Our show is about outrageousness," he told WLWT in 1998. "It's about outrageous people or outrageous situations."

Jerry Springer: A Controversial Television Personality and Former Politician

Jerry Springer, born Gerald Norman Springer on February 13, 1944, in London, England, is a British-American television personality, former politician, and talk show host best known for his long-running, controversial talk show "The Jerry Springer Show." With a career that spans over four decades, Springer has become a household name, synonymous with outrageous television.

Early Life and Political Career

Springer was born in a London Underground station during World War II, where his family sought refuge from German bombings. In 1949, his family immigrated to the United States, settling in New York City. Springer graduated from Tulane University in 1965 with a degree in political science and later earned his law degree from Northwestern University in 1968.

Springer entered the world of politics in the early 1970s, serving on the Cincinnati City Council from 1971 to 1974. After a brief scandal, Springer made a political comeback in 1977 when he was elected as the mayor of Cincinnati, a position he held for one term.

Transition to Television

In the early 1980s, Springer transitioned to television and joined WLWT, an NBC affiliate in Cincinnati, as a political reporter and commentator. By 1984, he became the station's main news anchor, and his popularity helped WLWT rise to the top in local news ratings. Springer's charismatic personality caught the attention of talk show producers, and in 1991, "The Jerry Springer Show" premiered.

"The Jerry Springer Show"

Originally conceived as a politically-themed talk show, "The Jerry Springer Show" shifted its focus to tabloid-style sensationalism in the mid-1990s to boost ratings. The show featured guests discussing controversial topics and often engaging in heated arguments or physical altercations on stage. Despite (or perhaps because of) its notoriety, the show became a cultural phenomenon and lasted for 27 seasons, ending in 2018.

Later Career and Other Pursuits

In addition to his talk show, Springer has made numerous appearances on television shows and films, often playing himself. He also hosted the reality competition show "America's Got Talent" from 2007 to 2008. In 2019, Springer returned to television with a new syndicated show, "Judge Jerry," where he serves as a courtroom judge.

Despite his controversial television persona, Springer has been involved in various charitable endeavors, supporting causes such as education, healthcare, and veterans' services.

Jerry Springer's career has been defined by his ability to adapt and thrive in various roles, from politician to news anchor to talk show host. His controversial and sensational approach to television has made him a divisive figure, but his impact on popular culture is undeniable.