Sophia Michaels
Famed talk show host Jerry Springer was laid to rest in a private ceremony last Sunday in a Chicago suburb. The ceremony was attended by a small group of people and followed traditional Jewish customs. A rep for the former “Jerry Springer” host told Page Six that Springer had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago and his illness quickly got worse. He was 79.
A public memorial is scheduled for May 16 in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Springer previously served as mayor. The upcoming ceremony will be a free ticketed event for the general public and will showcase his involvement in politics and entertainment.
Springer’s family announced his passing on April 27. Jene Galvin, a friend and spokesman for the Springer’s 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.”
Several stars took to social media to mourn Springer’s loss, including Steve Wilkos who worked alongside the late TV host on the “Jerry Springer Show.” Wilkos said in a statement, “Other than my father, Jerry was the most influential man in my life. Everything I have today, I owe to Jerry. He was the smartest, most generous, kindest person I’ve ever known. My wife [Rachelle Wilkos] and I are devastated. We will miss him terribly.”
The “Jerry Springer Show” ran from 1991 to 2018 and often covered controversial topics including, “You Slept With My Stripper Sister” and “I Married a Horse.” Before tackling TV, Springer was a politician who served on Cincinnati’s City Council in 1971 and was elected as the city’s mayor from 1977 to 1978. He is survived by his daughter, Katie Springer, 47, whom he shared with ex-wife Micki Velton, and his older sister, Evelyn.
