Jerry Springer, born Gerald Norman Springer, was a multifaceted American figure who made significant impacts in broadcasting, journalism, acting, law, and politics. His career spanned over five decades, including hosting the controversial tabloid talk show 'The Jerry Springer Show' and serving as the 56th Mayor of Cincinnati. This timeline highlights key events and milestones in his life from birth to his passing in 2023.
Main Milestones
Birth
February 13, 1944
Jerry Springer was born in London, England, to Jewish refugees who had escaped the Holocaust. His early life was marked by the challenges of World War II, and he was later raised in Queens, New York City.
Robert F. Kennedy Campaign
1968
Springer became actively involved in politics by working for the campaign of Robert Kennedy, marking the beginning of his political career.
Cincinnati City Council
1971
Springer was elected to the Cincinnati City Council, a position he would hold until 1981, with a brief resignation in 1974 due to a scandal involving soliciting a prostitute.
Mayor of Cincinnati
1977-1978
Springer served as the 56th Mayor of Cincinnati, a role he was chosen for by the Cincinnati City Council. His tenure was marked by unconventional political stunts.
Run for Governor of Ohio
1981
Springer stepped down from the City Council to focus on running for governor of Ohio, seeking the Democratic nomination in the 1982 Ohio gubernatorial election. He ultimately failed to win the nomination.
The Jerry Springer Show
1991-2018
Springer hosted 'The Jerry Springer Show', a controversial tabloid talk show that became a commercial smash and a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s. The show was known for its outrageous humor and confrontational format.
Springer on the Radio
2005-2006
Springer hosted 'Springer on the Radio', a liberal talk show on Cincinnati's WCKY-AM, which was syndicated by Air America Radio.
America's Got Talent
2007-2008
Springer hosted the second and third seasons of 'America's Got Talent' on NBC, replacing Regis Philbin.
Judge Jerry
2019-2022
Springer debuted a new courtroom show, 'Judge Jerry', which allowed him to use his law school education and host a more 'grown-up' program.
Death
April 27, 2023
Jerry Springer passed away at the age of 79 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy of significant accomplishments in both politics and entertainment.
