Statement from the family of Jerry Springer
Jerry Springer, 79, died peacefully Thursday, April 27, at his home in Evanston after a brief illness, surrounded by his family.
Jerry, born Gerald Norman Springer in London on Feb. 13, 1944, immigrated to Queens, New York, at the age of 4 along with his parents and older sister.
He graduated from Tulane University and Northwestern University Law School, served in the U.S. Army Reserves and had a long career in law, politics, journalism and broadcasting.
He was known for the Jerry Springer show, the Judge Jerry show, the Springer on the Radio show, Baggage the Jerry Springer podcast, and until recently even his own ’60s folk music radio show in Cincinnati. He also wrote an autobiography and once starred in a movie. But he captured the emotions of the country in 2006 with a shockingly long and humorous run on the popular Dancing With the Stars show.
He was mayor of Cincinnati (1977-78), a Cincinnati city council member (1971-74, 1975-1982), an unsuccessful candidate in the Democratic Party primary for governor of Ohio (1982) and an entertainment and broadcasting icon.
“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 Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the family. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
Funeral services and a memorial gathering are currently being developed. To remember Jerry, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider following his spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization. As he always said, “Take care of yourself, and each other.”
For further information, contact Jene Galvin at jenegalvin@gmail.com
Brian Brady,
Thank you for stating the facts perfectly IMHO.
You’re Alot more polite than I would have been.
Mr Springer appeared to have great sense of humor. My hope and prayers would be that him family would send him to his heavenly home with great love for all whose lives he touched.
I’m sorry for Jerry’s family, but I am amazed at the whitewashing of Springer’s career legacy in obituaries I’ve read using euphemisms like “raucous” and “tabloid” for his show. His show was predatory garbage TV. And the show did damage to our democracy and our culture by celebrating violent and demeaning behavior – often in ways that stereotyped and demeaned Black and Brown communities. Mr. Springer grew wealthy and famous by exploiting bad behavior and stereotypes, and the coarsening of our civic discourse today has roots in his awful show that made him a wealthy man. I don’t celebrate anyone’s death but I also don’t think it is helpful to ignore the damage of a person’s legacy when they pass.