Jerry Springer has died aged 79, it was confirmed, with celebrities flocking to social media to pay tribute to the late star.
A statement from the family of the London-born personality confirmed that in recent days, his health had taken a turn for the worse.
His devastated loved ones confirmed that several months ago, Jerry was diagnosed with cancer.
A spokesperson for the Springer 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 humour will live on."
Springer died peacefully at home in suburban Chicago after a brief illness, the statement said and tributes have began pouring in.
Piers Morgan, who spent two seasons sitting alongside Jerry Springer as a judge on America’s Got Talent, described the broadcaster as "an intelligent, warm, funny man".
He tweeted: "Jeez, this sucks RIP Jerry Springer, 79. TV icon & such an intelligent, warm, funny man. Loved working with him (on (America’s Got Talent), loved hanging out with him (we lived in same hotel for 2yrs), loved arguing with him (he loved his politics), loved everything about him. Gutting."
Taking to social media, Celebrity Gogglebox and YouTube star KSI said: "Rip Jerry Springer. You made my off days at school so much more entertaining."
Television presenter and model Lizzie Cundy took to Twitter, writing: "So very sad to hear Jerry Springer has died. King of the talk shows and one of our most controversial figures in TV history. Rest in peace."
TV commentator Adam Brooks typed: "Jerry Springer has died, now that’s a name that reminds me of growing up. RIP."
Sky News' Kay Burley added: "Jerry Springer has died at the age of 79."
News anchor Nick Foley tweeted: "His shows over the years could certainly raise some eyebrows but on the few occasions I got to briefly interview him over the years #JerrySpringer was always a class act and a pleasure to speak to. #RIP."
Comedian Loni Love took to Twitter to pay tribute to Jerry as she shared a sweet snap of them together.
Alongside it, she wrote: "What I loved about Jerry Springer was the way he connected with people in a unique and authentic manner. This is why as a talk show host he excelled… condolences to his family and fans on his passing.."
Jerry became a global hit after his talk show The Jerry Springer Show was broadcasted across the globe for almost three decades.
But when his show came to an end in 2018, NBC agreed for him to take on a new programme, Judge Jerry, but in March 2022, he revealed he "wants to try out retirement."
However, before finding fame, the broadcaster who was born in London's Highgate underground station was elected to Cincinnati's City Council in 1971 before he became mayor of the city in 1977, serving one term.
