Springer died peacefully on Thursday at his home in Chicago, his publicists confirmed to BBC News.
In a statement, Jene Galvin, a friend of Springer’s and spokesman for the family, described him as “irreplaceable”.
“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,” he said.
“He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on.”
Sad news …
It seems that the famous are dropping like flies this year:
Both Len & Jerry were about my vintage, so it reminds you quite abruptly about your own mortality. Maybe one should look into that thread on prepaid funerals!
I wouldn’t have used the description of “era-defining” but I have heard that the “Jerry Springer Show” spawned a few similar type shows in other countries, including the U.K, so I suppose his shows set a trend.
I only saw the odd one or two shows of this genre and thought they must have trawled through the worst examples of human relationships and used their lifestyles and disagreements for “entertainment purposes”
I got the impression that the people who came on the show were being set up by the show’s organisers to be mocked, laughed at or judged by the audience.
I know they are responsible for their own behaviour but I found it distasteful to use their arguments for entertainment purposes.
I hear that Jerry Springer was a kind and talented man, so I find it sad that he is mostly remembered for being on that show which seemed to often end up in big arguments and fights.
Whatever he did in life, it was sad to hear he died of pancreatic cancer - in my experience, once you’ve reached the stage of being diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, it is often too far advanced for successful treatment and doesn’t leave you and your loved ones much time to prepare for the end.
I just wonder if he inspired that God Awful Jeremy Kyle, in his now thankfully defunct freak show of a few years back. Amazingly,Kyle has resurfaced on Talk TV, now to be found in the wastelands of Freeview Channels!
