Television personality and one-time Cincinnati Mayor Jerry Springer has passed away from pancreatic cancer. Linda Shafran, his longtime public relations representative, confirmed his passing on Thursday at his residence in suburban Chicago after a short illness. Springer was 79 years old.

Family spokesman and lifelong friend Jene Galvin described Springer's ability to connect with people as the key to his success in various fields, including politics and broadcasting. Galvin added that Springer's intellect, heart, and humor will continue to be remembered.

Springer gained widespread recognition for his television show, The Jerry Springer Show, where ordinary individuals from across the United States shared shocking and scandalous stories from their lives, such as infidelity, love triangles, and incest. Physical altercations were not a rarity on the program, with audience members frequently chanting Springer's name in support.

Springer was born in London during World War II and later immigrated to New York with his family. He entered the political sphere in the 1970s when he was elected to Cincinnati's city council and eventually served as mayor.

Initially, Springer doubted the longevity of his talk show. In an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, he recalled the 1991 launch of the show, thinking they'd be fortunate to last 13 weeks. Contrary to his expectations, The Jerry Springer Show ran for an impressive 27 years.