Talk show host Jerry Springer is dead at the age of 79, per TMZ.
The controversial TV personality is best known for hosting the syndicated talk show “The Jerry Springer Show” for 27 years. On it, guests often appeared to discuss wild topics and frequently got into fights onstage.
A family spokesperson told TMZ that Springer was fighting a “brief illness” and died at his home in the Chicago area. An unnamed source told the outlet that Springer was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago.
Springer was involved in politics before he became a TV sensation. He lost a bid for Congress in 1970, but then was elected to Cincinnati’s City Council in 1971, the outlet noted. Springer went on to serve one term as mayor of Cincinnati in 1977.
“The Jerry Springer Show,” which debuted in 1991, originally focused on political issues, but later exploded in popularity after making the switch to lurid topics that included adultery, nudity, and other shocking scandals. Springer presented himself as the voice of reason who would frequently try to soothe guests’ tempers and diffuse tense situations. The series was known for violence and profanity.
The daytime show was a huge hit despite getting slammed by critics, who called it “the worst TV show of all time.” Springer embraced the title.
The British-born TV host last appeared on “The Masked Singer” in 2018. He is survived by his daughter Katie Springer and his sister Evelyn.