Jerry Springer, one of the most popular faces of American television, dies at age 79

Jerry Springer passed away Thursday at the age of 79. The man who was for decades one of the best-known and most controversial faces of U.S. television has died at his home in Chicago after being diagnosed a few months ago with cancer, according to several local media.

For decades, his program The Jerry Springer Show was one of the most watched shows on American television, with millions of viewers, and at times surpassed competitors such as Oprah Winfrey.

The space, which was born centered on the political newswithin a few years he became one of the pioneers of the successful daytime television format accustomed to seeking controversy With controversial topics and harsh clashes between guests.

In the program, where it was usual to see family members at loggerheads or couples with infidelities, it was not uncommon for participants to come to blows and have to be separated by security while the audience chanted Springer’s name.

The Jerry Springer Show aired between 1991 and 2018 and made its host a huge celebrity in the country, while his critics accused him of being one of those responsible for the growth of trash TV.

Before jumping into television, Springer had made a career in politics, becoming. mayor of the city of Cincinnati for one year and with several unsuccessful attempts to reach the U.S. Congress or to run for the Democratic nomination for governor of the state of Ohio.

After the end of The Jerry Springer Show, the host had for another three years a new television program and last October appeared as. guest star in the space The Masked Singer.