On Thursday, it was revealed that famed television host and former politician Jerry Springer had passed away at his home in Chicago, Illinois, at 79 of pancreatic cancer.
Springer hosted the hit Jerry Springer Show, which aired for 27 years, even at one point topping Oprah Winfrey’s show for the most viewers. The show was a raucous, drama-filled endeavor, which America couldn’t get enough of.
In the 1970s, Springer served on the Cincinnati City Council and then as mayor. Later, he worked at multiple television programs, ultimately starting his now-famous (or infamous) show.
Despite his show being “ratings gold,” TV Guide ranked it first on a list of “Worst Shows in the History of Television.”
“With all the joking I do with the show, I’m fully aware and thank God every day that my life has taken this incredible turn because of this silly show,” Springer told Cincinnati Enquirer media reporter John Kiesewetter in 2011, as reported by Yahoo News.
“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,” said family spokesperson Jene Galvin in a statement. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”