Iconic TV star Jerry Springer has died aged 79

Famous TV broadcaster Jerry Springer has died aged 79, his family have confirmed.

An icon of American television, he was best known for The Jerry Springer Show, which ran from 1991 to 2018 and racked up almost 5,000 episodes over an incredible 27 year run.

The show became known for tackling controversial topics and for the drama unfolding between folks feuding on their TV screens, while the crowd chanted: "Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!"

"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," said Jene Galvin, a spokesperson for Springer's family.

"He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on."

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In addition to his work on The Jerry Springer Show, he also had stint presenting America's Got Talent between 2007 and 2008, while after the end of his flagship show he also hosted courtroom show Judge Jerry.

Springer's final TV appearance came on The Masked Singer, where he performed a song by Frank Sinatra in disguise as 'The Beetle'.

Before getting into television, Springer had been a political advisor to Robert F Kennedy before becoming a practicing lawyer.

He ran for Congress in 1970 for the Democrats but failed to unseat the Republican incumbent, though he did win a significant portion of the vote.

An army reservist, three days into his election campaign he was called to active service and was stationed at Fort Knox.

A year after his unsuccessful bid for Congress, he was elected to the Cincinnati City Council where he served until 1974.

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Springer's political career wasn't over, however, as in 1977, he was chosen to serve as Mayor of Cincinnati for a year and in 1982, unsuccessfully ran to be Governor of Ohio.

When he first got into TV, he became a news anchor and became incredibly popular in Cincinnati before launching The Jerry Springer Show, which began as a political talk show before being revamped into the famous format that made it such a huge hit.

Springer's family have asked that anyone wanting to wish them well during their difficult time can donate money or do a good deed for a group that needs it in lieu of sending flowers.

During his time as a news anchor, Springer developed the catchphrase: "Take care of yourself, and each other."