US talk show host Jerry Springer has died aged 79.
The TV star died at his home in suburban Chicago on Thursday, his family confirmed to local NBC News affiliate WLWT.
The US talk show host was best known for The Jerry Springer Show, which ran from 1991 until 2018 in the US.
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Prior to Springer’s broadcasting career, which included roles as a political reporter and commentator, he was the mayor of Cincinnati and a political campaign adviser to Robert F Kennedy.
Speaking to the American news outlet, Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the family said: “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’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
The Jerry Springer Show originally focussed on political issues but after low ratings, the focus changed to look at family issues including incest and adultery. It was common for physical fights to break out on the show.
His series inspired the UK’s The Jeremy Kyle Show, which ran on ITV between 2005 and 2019.
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