Jerry Springer’s cause of death was heart attack. He died on April 27, 2023, in Evanston, Illinois, at the age of 79. He is best known for his TV talk show “The Jerry Springer Show”, which ran from 1991 to 2018.
Jerry Springer’s Biography
| Full name: | Gerald Norman Springer |
| Born: | 13 February 1944, Highgate, London, England |
| Died: | April 27, 2023 , Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
| Best Known For: | The Jerry Springer Show (1991–2018) & 56th Mayor of Cincinnati(1977-1978) |
| Political Party: | Democratic |
| Education: | Tulane University (BA) Northwestern University School of Law (JD) |
| Age: | 79 Years |
| Weight: | 80 kg |
| Height: | 6 Feet 0 inches |
| Profession: | Television host, Attorney Politician |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Spouse: | Micki Velton (June 16, 1973 – April 27, 2023) |
| Parents: | Richard Springer & Margot (née Kallmann) |
| Children: | Katie Springer |
| Nationality: | American / British |
Who was Jerry Springer?
Gerald Norman Springer was an American television presenter, author, actor, and political commentator who died on April 27, 2023, in Evanston, Illinois, at the age of 79.
Springer is best known for his TV talk show “The Jerry Springer Show”, which ran from 1991 to 2018. He was also the 56th mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Springer hosted several other television shows, including ‘The Jerry Springer Serial Killer Show’, ‘The Jerry Springer Political Show’ and ‘The Jerry Springer War Room’.
He was often surrounded by controversies regarding his shows. His show was often accused of promoting violence, obscenity, and racial discrimination.
In 2008, an episode of Springer’s show in which a woman was beaten by a man was widely criticized.
Jerry Springer’s Early Life & Educational background
Jerry Springer was born on February 13, 1944, in Highgate, London, England into a Jewish family. His family immigrated to Queens, New York, United States in 1949 after the cataclysm of World War II.
His father’s name was Richard Springer, a shoe store owner, and his mother, Margot Springer, worked as a bank clerk. He was raised in New York City and received his primary education from Forest Hills High School there.
In 1965, Springer received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Tulane University in New Orleans. Subsequently, in 1968, he obtained the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Northwestern University Law School, Illinois, Chicago. He considers Senator John F. Kennedy as an inspiration for his political career.
Jerry Springer’s Begnning Career
Jerry Springer started his career in 1968 after receiving a law degree. He practiced law for a few days at a Cincinnati law firm (now Frost & Jacobs). He then served as a political advisor to John F. Kennedy.
Political Career (1970–1982)
Jerry Springer started his political career in 1970 from the City Council, Cincinnati. While serving in the City Council for two terms, he succeeded in attracting people with his hard work and dedication. As a result, he was successful in winning the mayoral election in 1977 and was elected the 56th mayor of Cincinnati at the age of 33, the youngest mayor in history. He served as mayor for only one term in 1978.
After that, Springer also contested the election for Governor of Ohio in 1982 but he lost. He considered running for the United States Senate in 2000 and 2004, but withdrew because of the “Jerry Springer Talk Show”.
He also ran for Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio in 2023 but lost to Republican nominee Nick Gifford.
Television Career
Springer began his television career in 1982 as a news anchor and commentator for WLW-TV in Cincinnati. He worked for WLW-TV until 1990.
Due to his good wordplay, he became a prominent anchor of WLW-TV by 1984. He then began hosting his daily talk show, “The Jerry Springer Show”, in 1991.
“The Jerry Springer Show”
In 1984, Jerry Springer became quite famous after his role as a lead anchor on WLWT-TV captivated everyone. That’s when he began hosting his daily talk show, “The Jerry Springer Show.”
The show first premiered on September 30, 1991, with content that was controversial and sensational. Apart from this, heated debates and physical fights were also included on the stage, due to which the show became famous for its provocative themes.
Springer resigned from hosting “The Jerry Springer Show” in 2018 after nearly 27 years. Subsequently, he founded the new show “The Jerry Springer Show.
The show ran for a remarkably long time, spanning a total of 27 seasons. Its final original episode aired on July 26, 2018. After this, Springer resigned from hosting “The Jerry Springer Show”.
Jerry Springer’s TV Shows & Movies
Springer has also appeared on other television shows in addition to “The Jerry Springer Show”, including America’s Got Talent (2007–2008), Baggage (2010–2015), Tabloid (2014), WWE Too Hot for TV (2015) and Judge Includes Jerry (2019-2022).
Springer has also worked as a writer and actor. He has appeared in as an actor including several movies like, ‘The Top’ (1997), ‘The Joey Law’ (1998), ‘The Simpsons’ (1998), ‘Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me’ (1999), “Citizen’s Verdict” (2003), “The The Defenders” (2004), “The Price is Right Live!” “WWE Raw” (2012) and “WWE Raw” (2014).
As an author, he has written several books, including “The Jerry Springer Show: The Untold Story” (1995) and “The Jerry Springer Business: How to Build a Million-Dollar Brand” (2001).
Awards and Achievements
- George Foster Peabody Award: In 1998, Jerry Springer was honored with the “George Foster Peabody Award” for his outstanding achievement in television broadcasting.
- Emmy Awards: Jerry Springer received 7 Emmy Awards in 1998 for his outstanding performance in the talk show “The Jerry Springer Show”.
- National Television Academy’s Silver Circle Award: In 2005, Springer was inducted into the National Television Academy’s Silver Circle for his 25-year-long contributions to the television industry.
- Norman Lear Achievement Award: In 2010, he received the “Norman Lear Achievement Award” for his contributions to the television industry as host and producer of Springer.
- Ohio Democratic Party Governor’s Award: Jerry Springer was awarded the Governor’s Award by the Ohio Democratic Party in 2007 for his public service on the Cincinnati City Council.
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor: He was awarded the “Ellis Island Medal of Honor” in 2008 for his contribution to establishing diversity and tolerance in the United States.
- Humanitarian of the Year Award: He was awarded “The Humanitarian of the Year Award” by the Jewish National Fund in 2013 for his commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes.
Jerry Springer’s Net worth
Jerry Springer’s net worth was around $60 million until his death. He hosted his daily talk show, “The Jerry Springer Show”, for 27 years.
Jerry earned most of his wealth from his television show “The Jerry Springer Show.” He earned $8 million per year from his talk show. Additionally, he made money from films, television shows, commercials, book deals and speaking engagements.
Springer was a controversial figure but he was one of the most recognizable television personalities of all time. His television career spanned decades and he hosted a variety of shows. He was a true television icon.
Jerry Springer’s Personal Life
Jerry Springer was married to Margaret ‘Mickey’ Joan Velton on June 16, 1973. They have a daughter, Katie Springer, born in 1976. She reportedly works as a school teacher for children with special needs.
In May 2023, a viral rumor claimed that Springer had two secret biracial children out of wedlock.
The hoax was based on a TikTok video that showed a Zoom clip of the purported executors of the will alleging that Springer had left his entire estate to these children. However, the TikTok video was a virtual play and the claims turned out to be false.
Jerry Springer died on April 27, 2023, in Evanston, Illinois, at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife, daughter Katie, and his sister Evelyn.
Conclusion
Overall, Jerry Springer was a very intelligent artist who captivated the entire entertainment world with his work. Today he is not among us. He will be remembered for his show for many generations.
