Jerry Springer 's final TV appearance left fans seriously impressed, sixth months before his death aged 79.
The US talk show host p assed away peacefully at his home in Chicago on Thursday morning, with a source stating he was battling pancreatic cancer after being diagnosed a few months ago.
The much-loved presenter's final appearance on screens came after he wowed fans on The Masked Singer.
Jerry appeared on the music guessing show dressed as a beetle back in October 2022.
In the episode, the crowd started chanting the star's name once his identity was revealed, with the judges singing his praises.
"When I sing, people get involved because they have to guess where the notes were supposed to have been," he said when he was unmasked.
"It's like interactive."
Jerry was semi-retired when he appeared on the hit family show, but decided to give it a go as it sounded fun.
He told TV Insider : "And my grandson would really get a kick out of it."
The TV host did find singing in the costume the most challenging aspect, saying: "Seeing was the most difficult part".
"You sweat unbelievably, so there’s sweat going into your eyes... The eyes in the head didn’t remain where my eyes are, and so I couldn’t see and I don’t know where I’m walking."
Following his death, a statement from his family spokesman Jene Galvin 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 humour will live on," Jene told TMZ.
The American broadcaster is well-known for hosting the hit talk show The Jerry Springer Show for 27 years, which saw many outrageous guests appear in front of a cheering audience.
A year before his death, Jerry retired from TV and made a heartbreaking vow to "enjoy life" and "try out retirement while I'm still healthy".
Just weeks before his death, Jerry was pictured enjoying a St Patrick's Day parade in Ybor City.
Sharing a picture of himself, he wrote: "Thank you to @mortampa for a great time at the Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Parade in Ybor City! I’ll be back."
