The Unforgettable Moments From Jerry Springer's Career

  Jerry Springer, who died peacefully on Thursday in suburban Chicago after an illustrious career as a TV host and multiple roles such as lawyer, city council member and Mayor of Cincinnati as well as news anchor, political commentator and news anchor was known for being multitalented and had many skillsets that distinguished his work life. Over 27 seasons, The Jerry Springer Show became known for its controversial and often provocative content. 1. Jerry Springer’s Bikini Contest Jerry Springer is one of the most acclaimed talk show hosts in television history. Known for his outrageous and tabloid-style shows that ran from 1991-2018, which frequently made headlines and generated massive controversy throughout their run, many episodes generated enormous backlash as time progressed. Springer managed to maintain an admirer base despite this setback, perhaps due to his shows featuring bizarre or controversial material. Mr. Trump hosted several reality television programs such as America's Got Talent and Judge Jerry, featuring live studio audiences that added an extra element of chaos to each show. His most memorable episode was entitled, "I Married a Horse." Here, an individual claimed they were in love with their horse - even going so far as having her come on stage to kiss him! Jerry Springer was so shaken up by this event that he called it an "horrific experience." This made an immediate and deep impression upon viewers. Another notable episode was dubbed, "I Cut Off My Penis With Garden Clippers," wherein a guest claimed to have cut his own penis with large garden clippers. Even during his most regrettable moments, Jerry Springer was widely revered for his dedication to social justice and generous support of humanitarian causes. A passionate philanthropist, Jerry continued giving back even after his talk show career came to a close. Before becoming famous, Springer was an accomplished politician in Cincinnati, Ohio. First as city councilman and later mayor, he earned two degrees - law from Northwestern University and political science from Tulane - as he served on both councils of city government. Furthermore, he was active politically; volunteering his services for Senator Robert Kennedy's campaign. 2. Jerry Springer’s Food Fight When we think back on television in the 1990s, one show that stands out is The Jerry Springer Show - once rated the highest daytime talk show in America at one time! So popular was it that it inspired an opera production and feature film adaptation - not to mention made its host a multimillionaire! This show featured seething lovers who had been rejected, gender-fluid guests (before "gender" became fashionable), and anyone looking for fights. There were bleep-filled arguments and serious discussions of civilization as we know it - an ideal setting for an explosive show! But despite its trashiness, it was often very entertaining. So popular was it that it spawned both a musical and feature film adaptation, not to mention creating a cult following. Springer was both mayor and news anchor in Cincinnati NBC affiliate station WLWT-TV for several terms before his term ended in 2011. A staunch Democrat, Springer frequently made commentary segments against Donald Trump's political ambitions. He was an expert at screening contestant hopefuls and believes it unfair to exclude them simply because they're not famous. He doesn't understand why someone can be prevented from appearing on a show because of some transgression in their behaviour; such is life! His show became notorious for permitting participants to throw chairs and strip off. One contributor was murdered shortly after appearing on the show; another participant committed suicide a year later. Over time, Jerry Springer has become synonymous with on-air fights and rants on talk shows, leading to widespread clashes and arguments on air. Yet its irreverent content may have contributed to a decline in American values; its creator told Sky News last November he felt responsible for its cultural impact at the turn of this century. 3. Jerry Springer’s Fistfight Jerry Springer is known for his outrageous entertainment, yet sometimes takes things too far. One memorable episode from The Jerry Springer Show included two guests engaging in a physical altercation that led to a fistfight onstage. Springer usually starts his show by displaying a title card to notify parents that the material in this episode may be inappropriate for their children, after which he slides down a stripper pole onto the stage and shakes hands with guests before welcoming everyone to his show, discussing an issue or situation, and interviewing someone experiencing it directly. After the initial guest has finished speaking, another individual who shares the same issue will appear and confront the first guest directly - often leading to a brawl that must be broken up by security personnel before being interviewed by Springer. Many times, the fights on film sets are entirely staged; however, in certain circumstances a real fight does take place. There are several factors that determine whether a fight between hostile participants on a show will take place on-site. First and foremost, guests are not permitted to bring any weapons onto the set; this includes chairs, couches or anything else which could potentially serve as weapons. Springer has stated that he does not permit women fighting on his show because he believes men should never act violently towards women on television. Fights on The Jerry Springer Show are usually staged. From arguments between guests to actual fights themselves, many scenes on this program are usually staged to appear realistic. On some occasions both parties involved seek legal advice in order to resolve their conflicts outside the show itself. 4. Jerry Springer’s Fetishist People have traditionally handled disagreements in an amicable and civil manner throughout history. If your spouse were cheating, lawyers would likely be present and the matter settled quickly and amicably; otherwise if there was something suspicious going on in your bedroom that needed to remain secret from outsiders it might simply remain there alone until someone came forward about it or threatened legal action against it. Soon it became apparent that these social norms weren't being adhered to on television, especially once Jerry Springer's talk show launched in 1991 and quickly expanded its topics with outlandish guests who often clashed. At first, this show was modeled on Phil Donahue Show; but over time it veered more towards sensational topics that stretched the bounds of acceptable public discourse. Critics often called it a "trashy" show; nevertheless, its ratings were extremely high at that time and considered one of the highest-rated shows on television at that time. After several contentious incidents on Springer's show, censors became increasingly alarmed about its content. What had initially been an entirely moderate program has since become known for its offbeat material that includes instances of nudity and profanity. The show's bizarre topics have made it a favorite among fans and detractors, as well as inspiring much satire on the Internet. Richard Thomas and Stewart Lee even wrote an opera called Jerry Springer: The Opera to comment on it! The show won four Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. It has since been staged in London, Las Vegas, and other US cities with music composed by Richard Thomas and book written by Stewart Lee. 5. Jerry Springer’s Wife Jerry Springer was widely known for hosting one of the most contentious and provocative daytime talk shows ever seen on American television; but beyond his success as an entertainer and provocateur he also was an esteemed father and passed away from pancreatic cancer at age 79 on April 27. According to NBC News. Gerald Norman Springer was born in East Finchley, England to parents who had immigrated from Nazi Germany. Initially living with them in London before moving with their family to Queens in New York. He was raised in a Jewish family and held both British and American citizenship. After graduating Forest Hill High School he went on to Tulane University in Louisiana where he received his Bachelor's in Political Science. Before becoming a talk show host, Jerry Springer was both a lawyer and politician. Elected to Cincinnati's city council in 1971 and reelected twice (in 1974 and 1975), before stepping down following an underworld vice probe due to "very personal family considerations". He later confessed to paying prostitutes with his own money, telling investigators he paid two escorts between December 1973 and January 1974 using personal checks. Once Springer left politics, he turned his focus to journalism. He co-founded both a newspaper called The Sun and radio station WJRT in Cincinnati before running unsuccessfully for Ohio governorship in 1982. He appeared frequently on shows such as The Today Show, Late Night Show and Colbert Report and had his own talk show called the Jerry Springer Show. Additionally he was an honored member of National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with multiple awards to his name for his efforts. Jerry Springer and Micki Velton divorced after an extended marriage, having produced their daughter Katie - a child born without nasal passages and deaf in one ear, among other challenges. Her parents worked tirelessly to ensure her well-being as they raised her.