Jerry Springer, one of the most influential and controversial figures in TV history, has died. He hosted the smash hit syndicated talk show “The Jerry Springer Show” for 27 years. The show was known for its outrageous guests who regularly got into crazy fights as the audience cheered, “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!”.

A family spokesperson says Jerry was battling a “brief illness.” Sources tell TMZ, it was pancreatic cancer that was diagnosed a few months ago. The spokesperson says he died Thursday morning, peacefully at his home in the Chicago area

After more than 4000 shows, the Jerry Springer Show came to an end in 2018. In an interview, Springer noted anyone could do his job as long as they could say these key phrases, “You did what?” ”Come on out!” and “We’ll be right back.”

In 2020, Springer starred as Judge Jerry, which aired for 3 seasons. Most recently, he could be seen performing as the ‘Beetle’ on The Masked Singer.