Jerry Springer, legendary talk show host, dies aged 79: 'Irreplaceable'

Jerry Springer, the host of the famously outrageous and controversial Jerry Springer Show, has died at the age of 79 following a brief illness.

The iconic host died peacefully at home on Thursday, according to NBC.

Jerry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer several months ago, but sadly deteriorated this week, The New York Post reports.

The host became famous worldwide for his controversial show, which some labelled as 'the worst show in the history of television' due to the constant swearing and shocking antics of guests who appeared on the show to air grievances. Some guests would even find themselves involved in physical fights due to the nature of the show's scandalous topics, as the audience would chant, "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!"

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"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," Springer's friend Jane Galvin shared on behalf of the family. "He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on."

While Jerry is most famous for his TV show, which began in 1991, he was previously mayor of Cincinnati in 1977 and considered running for higher offices. He later became the lead anchor of NBC Cincinnati's local news, leading it to become the highest-rated news show in the city.

The Jerry Springer Show aired on screens for almost three decades, with the host, who was referred to as the "grandfather of trash TV", admitting it had "no redeeming social value".

While there were many bleep-filled arguments and even chair throwing, Jerry would usually close the show by giving his "final thought" and saying, "'Til next time, take care of yourself and each other".

Jerry famously appeared in an episode of The Simpsons where he played himself and intervened during an argument between Homer and alien Kang over Maggie's paternity.

"Look, television does not and must not create values, it's merely a picture of all that's out there — the good, the bad, the ugly," the host said of the show in a Too Hot For TV video.

He added that the people on his show volunteered for whatever humiliation or ridicule may await them.

Fans took to Twitter to share their sadness after the news of Jerry's passing, with one user writing, "Sad to hear that Jerry Springer has passed away. Here's Jerry's final thought that almost brought him to tears. 'Deep down we are all the same... to be liked, accepted, respected and not to mention loved is the greatest gift of all... take care of yourself and each other.'"

Many others joked that the host kept them company on the days they were home sick from school.

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