Jerry Springer, famed talk show host, dead at 79

Famed talk show host Jerry Springer has died. He was 79.

The “Jerry Springer Show” host passed away peacefully at his Chicago home Thursday, his family announced.

The controversial figure had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago and took a turn for the worse this week.

“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 lifelong friend and spokesman for the family.

On a side note, in the 90s, I had some fellow high school classmates who ditched school to get onto the Jerry Springer Show, they paid their guests to 'fight' on air.  RIP Jerry, RIP.