By Mark Gray
7:01pm PDT, Apr 28, 2023
_
Famed controversy-loving talk show host Jerry Springer died at his home in the Chicago area on April 27, TMZ reported. He was 79. The former politician — who served as Cincinnati's mayor in the '70s and led the pop culture phenomenon "The Jerry Springer Show" for 27 years — passed away after a "brief illness," a family spokesperson said. TMZ reported the illness was pancreatic cancer. Following Jerry's death, many top names in media and pop culture took to social media to pay tribute to the late talk show host…
"People always ask, you know, you and Jerry are the same kind of show," fellow talk show host Maury Povich told People magazine, in part, while reminiscing about Jerry Springer — whom he thought of as a friend, not a rival. "Jerry used to say to me, he says, 'Here's the thing, Maury. You're the real deal. And I'm just the deal.' I said, 'Jerry, I might be the real deal but you're your deal, OK?' And he always said, he said, 'You got it right,' when some of the media asked me one time the difference between you and Jerry. I said, 'Well, I do real people's stories and he, he's doing WWE.' And he says, 'You're right! It's wrestling on my show.'" Maury added, "Jerry didn't change TV, he radicalized it."
Keep reading to see who else is honoring Jerry…
MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more fun celebrity & entertainment photo galleries and content
_
"So sad to hear this. He came on my show shortly after we launched and told the best stories about his fascinating life & his deep love for America. R.I.P. Jerry Springer." —Megyn Kelly
_
"Jerry Springer was a great friend, GREAT. I never thought I would lose a special friend who actually subbed for me as Captain Hook in the Wimbledon pantomime. He was a terrific, terrific person and I am saddened by his passing. What becomes of a broken heart #jerryspringer" —David Hasselhoff
_
"RIP Jerry. You were one my favorites to work with. So down to earth, sweet and up for anything! Even a Bella Twin cat fight sandwich." –Nikki Bella
_
"RIP Jerry! The kindest man and icon! Super sweet soul who never judged us. Prayers to his family." —Snooki
_
"The man, other than my father, meant more to me than anybody. He did so much for me. The life that I have is all because of him and I'm a little in shock right now. I'm devastated." –Steve Wilkos, Jerry Springer's former bodyguard, told News Nation
_
"Loved me some Jerry Springer. Nicest guy ever…" —Mario Lopez
_
"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." —Sean Hannity
_
"Just waking to the very sad news of the passing of my longtime talkshow rival and friend @jerryspringer. A lovely man.. May he rest in peace #talkshow #legend #mensch" –Ricki Lake
_
"Shocked & saddened by passing at age of 79 of my old colleague & talk show rival Jerry Springer. Jerry was a Renaissance Man. Formerly mayor of Cincinnati, he moved effortlessly from politics & the local news business, into hosting his flamboyant fun-filled talk show. RIP buddy." —Geraldo Rivera
_
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Jerry Springer's family…" –Montel Williams
_
"I'm extremely sad at the news of Jerry Springer's passing. He was a bright, funny man whom I considered to be a friend. He will be missed." –Sally Jessy Raphael
_
"Rest well buddy. We will all be chanting JERRY! JERRY! JERRY! #ripjerryspringer" –Marlon Wayans
_
"Remembering this Cincinnati icon. From local TV news anchor to Cincy Mayor to Daytime TV talk show host. You definitely were a trailblazer. Rip to Jerry Springer" –Julie Chen Moonves
_
"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.. " —Loni Love
_
"He was the king of outrageous TV." —Deborah Roberts
_
"Jeez, this sucks. RIP Jerry Springer, 79. TV icon & such an intelligent, warm, funny man. Loved working with him (on @AGT ), 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." —Piers Morgan
_
"Rip Jerry Springer. You made my off days at school so much more entertaining" —KSI
