Steve Wilkos, Piers Morgan & More Pay Tribute To Jerry Springer
By Kristin Myers on April 27, 2023 at 3:30 PM EDT
Updated on April 27, 2023 at 5:41 PM EDT
Talk show host Jerry Springer passed away on Thursday, April 27, after a battle with cancer.
The 79-year-old former politician was famous for "The Jerry Springer Show" which ran for 27 seasons, and "Judge Jerry," which ran for only 3.
Many fans have taken to social media to share their favorite clips from his shows - which also included an appearance in 1999's "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" - while celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late host.
Steve Wilkos, Megyn Kelly, Piers Morgan and More Pay Tribute To Late Talk Show Host Jerry Springer
For people who weren't around at the height of its popularity, Jerry Springer was so massive in syndication that the show's security guard, Steve Wilkos, got his own spin-off talk show that has now run for 16 years and over 2,200 episodes. pic.twitter.com/JvGou7FbSv
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) April 27, 2023
Steve Wilkos was a former Chicago cop and security guard of “The Jerry Springer Show" before he started his own show in 2007 called “The Steve Wilkos Show.” The show was adapted from the “Steve to the Rescue” segment he used to do for “The Jerry Springer Show.”
“Other than my father, Jerry was the most influential man in my life. Everything I have today, I owe to Jerry,” Wilkos said in a statement to Page Six. “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.”
Montel Williams, who currently hosts “Military Makeover: Operation Career” on Lifetime, also released a statement, saying his “thoughts and prayers go out to Jerry Springer’s family.”
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. pic.twitter.com/D9KFJMvfaq— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 27, 2023
English broadcaster, TV personality, and "America's Got Talent" costar Piers Morgan tweeted, "Jeez, this sucks. RIP Jerry Springer, 79." He went on to call Jerry a "TV con & 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."
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. https://t.co/WWBAG7ymtt
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) April 27, 2023
Conservative journalist Megyn Kelly tweeted, "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."
'This Is Why As A Talk Show Host He Excelled...'
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.. ???????? pic.twitter.com/LdqYyKluyo
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) April 27, 2023
Comedian, TV host, actress, and author Loni Love took to Twitter to share a photo of her posing with the late legend. "What I loved about Jerry Springer was the way he connected with people in a unique and authentic manner," she tweeted. "This is why as a talk show host he excelled… condolences to his family and fans on his passing..."
Canadian professional wrestler Adam “Edge” Copeland shared a photo of him posing beside the late talk show host on Instagram. “Jerry was a fun guy to work with. He understood our, let’s go with odd, sense of humor. Or just didn’t want to hurt our feelings and smiled through the suffering,” he wrote. “Rest in power Jerry.”
As Jerry would say, "Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other."
