History of Jerry Springer in Timeline
Gerald Norman Springer, an American broadcaster, journalist, actor, lawyer, and politician, gained notoriety for hosting the tabloid talk show "The Jerry Springer Show" from 1991 to 2018. His show became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s, often featuring dysfunctional families and outrageous guests engaging in on-stage arguments and physical altercations. Though commercially successful, the show was widely criticized for its exploitation of guests and contribution to the rise of "trash TV." Springer's career also included stints as a political commentator and mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio, showcasing a diverse background beyond his controversial talk show persona.
February 13, 1944: Birth of Jerry Springer
Jerry Springer was born on February 13, 1944, in London, England, to Jewish refugees who had escaped the Holocaust.
January 1949: Move to the United States
In January 1949, Springer and his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Queens, New York City.
1956: Inspired by John F. Kennedy
At age 12 in 1956, Springer was impressed by John F. Kennedy at the Democratic National Convention.
1965: Graduation from Tulane University
Springer graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1965.
1968: Work for Robert F. Kennedy and Law Practice
After working for Robert F. Kennedy's campaign in 1968, Springer practiced law at Frost & Jacobs in Cincinnati.
1968: Robert Kennedy Campaign and Law Career
In 1968, Springer worked on Robert Kennedy's political campaign and began his law career after Kennedy's assassination.
1968: Law Degree from Northwestern
Springer earned a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in 1968.
1970: Run for U.S. House of Representatives
Springer ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970 but lost to Donald D. Clancy.
1971: Election to Cincinnati City Council
Springer was elected to the Cincinnati City Council in 1971.
1973: Marriage to Micki Velton
Jerry Springer married Micki Velton in 1973.
1973: Law Partnership
Springer became a partner at the law firm Grinker, Sudman & Springer in 1973.
April 29, 1974: Resignation from Cincinnati City Council
Springer resigned from the Cincinnati City Council on April 29, 1974, after admitting to soliciting a prostitute.
1975: Re-election to City Council
Springer was re-elected to the Cincinnati City Council in 1975.
1976: Birth of Daughter, Katie
Jerry Springer's daughter, Katie, was born in 1976 with health complications, including being born without nasal passages, blindness, and deafness in one ear.
1977: Mayor of Cincinnati
Springer served as the 56th Mayor of Cincinnati in 1977.
1977: Re-election and Mayoral Term
Springer was re-elected to the Cincinnati City Council and served as mayor in 1977.
1978: End of Mayoral Term
Springer's term as Mayor of Cincinnati ended in 1978.
1979: Re-election to City Council
Springer was re-elected to the Cincinnati City Council in 1979.
1981: Resignation from City Council
Springer resigned from the Cincinnati City Council in 1981 to focus on his gubernatorial campaign.
1982: Ohio Gubernatorial Race
Springer ran for governor of Ohio in 1982 but lost the Democratic nomination.
1985: End of Law Partnership
Springer's partnership at Grinker, Sudman & Springer ended in 1985.
September 30, 1991: Jerry Springer Show Premiere
The Jerry Springer Show debuted on September 30, 1991, initially as a politically focused talk show.
1991: Jerry Springer Show Debut
The Jerry Springer Show premiered in 1991, initially focusing on political discussions.
January 1993: Departure from WLWT
Springer left his position as news anchor and commentator at WLWT in January 1993.
1993: Start of Contributions to Democratic Party
Springer began contributing to the Hamilton County Democratic Party in 1993, becoming its largest contributor until 2018.
1994: Reported Divorce (Later Clarified)
Though it was sometimes reported that Springer and Velton divorced in 1994, this was later clarified as incorrect. They remained married until his death.
1994: Format Change for Jerry Springer Show
In 1994, the Jerry Springer Show shifted its format to focus on tabloid sensationalism.
1995: Dr. Talk Album Release
In 1995, Jerry Springer released a country music album titled Dr. Talk.
1996: Appears on Roseanne and The X-Files
In 1996, Springer made guest appearances on the TV shows "Roseanne" and "The X-Files."
1997: Death of Ronnie Grinker
Ronnie Grinker, Springer's former law partner, passed away in 1997.
1997: Short-lived News Commentator Role
Springer briefly worked as a news commentator for WMAQ-TV in Chicago in 1997, but resigned after viewer backlash.
1998: Jerry Springer Show's Popularity
By 1998, the Jerry Springer Show had achieved widespread popularity, surpassing Oprah in some cities.
1998: Stars in Ringmaster and Releases Autobiography
In 1998, Springer starred in the film "Ringmaster" as a talk show host and released his autobiography, also titled "Ringmaster."
1998: Voice Role on The Simpsons and Appearance on The Wayans Bros.
Springer voiced himself in an episode of "The Simpsons" and appeared on "The Wayans Bros." in 1998.
March 1999: Co-hosts This Morning with Judy Finnigan
Springer co-hosted ITV's "This Morning" with Judy Finnigan in March 1999.
September 1999: Pilot for Jerry Springer on Sunday
In September 1999, a pilot episode for a David Letterman-style talk show, "Jerry Springer on Sunday," was filmed for ITV.
1999: Appearances on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and Austin Powers
Springer made appearances on "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "Space Ghost Coast to Coast," and had a cameo in the film "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" in 1999.
May 2000: Springer Airs on ITV
Following a successful pilot, four more episodes of "Springer" were commissioned and aired on ITV in May 2000.
May 2000: Appearance by Nancy Campbell-Panitz
In May 2000, Nancy Campbell-Panitz and her ex-husband's girlfriend appeared on The Jerry Springer Show. This appearance later became the subject of a lawsuit after Campbell-Panitz was murdered by her ex-husband.
June 2000: Springer Continues Airing on ITV
The show "Springer" continued its run on ITV, with additional episodes broadcast in June 2000.
2000: Considered Senate Run
Springer considered running for the U.S. Senate in 2000 but decided against it.
2000: Co-hosts This Morning with Judy Finnigan Again
Springer returned to co-host "This Morning" with Judy Finnigan in 2000.
2000: Hosts Miss World
Jerry Springer hosted the Miss World competition in 2000.
2000: Late Night with Jerry Springer Premieres on Channel 5
Channel 5 picked up "Springer" and renamed it "Late Night with Jerry Springer," airing two series in 2000 and 2001.
2001: Hosts Miss World
Springer hosted Miss World for the second time in 2001.
2001: Hosts UK Version of Greed and The Wright Stuff
While working for Channel 5 in 2001, Springer hosted the UK version of "Greed" and occasionally filled in as host on "The Wright Stuff."
July 10, 2002: Lawsuit Filed Against Jerry Springer
On July 10, 2002, the sons of a guest who was murdered by her ex-husband after appearing on the show filed a lawsuit against Jerry Springer, the show's producers, and distributors, alleging the show created an environment that led to the murder.
July 2002: Appears in Brad Paisley's Music Video
In July 2002, Springer appeared in Brad Paisley's music video for "I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song)." The song later hit number one on the country charts and won a CMA award.
January 23, 2004: Interview and This American Life Feature
On January 23, 2004, Jerry Springer was interviewed by Chris Morris for the radio show Blue Jam and featured in an episode of This American Life titled "Leaving the Fold".
2004: Considered Senate Run
Springer considered running for the U.S. Senate in 2004 but opted out.
2004: Plays US President in The Defender
Springer portrayed the US president in the 2004 film "The Defender," directed by Dolph Lundgren.
January 17, 2005: Springer on the Radio Begins
Springer began hosting a liberal talk radio show, "Springer on the Radio," on WCKY-AM in Cincinnati on January 17, 2005.
2005: The Springer Show Premieres in the UK
In 2005, a UK version of The Jerry Springer Show, titled "The Springer Show," premiered on ITV. This version was more subdued and tongue-in-cheek than its US counterpart and performed well in ratings.
2005: Springer on the Radio
Springer hosted a liberal talk show, "Springer on the Radio," in 2005.
April 16, 2006: Guest Hosts The Friday Night Project
Springer guest hosted the opening show of the third series of "The Friday Night Project" on Channel 4 on April 16, 2006.
December 5, 2006: Springer on the Radio Ends
On December 5, 2006, "Springer on the Radio" concluded its run.
2006: Donation to Park School
In 2006, Springer donated $230,000 to Park School in Evanston for a facility called "Katie's Corner" for students with disabilities, where his daughter worked.
2006: End of Springer on the Radio
Springer's radio show, "Springer on the Radio," ended in 2006.
2006: Dancing with the Stars Appearance
In 2006, Jerry Springer participated in the third season of Dancing with the Stars, partnering with Kym Johnson, to learn the waltz for his daughter's wedding. They were eliminated in the seventh week.
April 2007: The Springer Hustle Premieres
In April 2007, "The Springer Hustle," a VH1 "celebreality" series offering a behind-the-scenes look at the production of The Jerry Springer Show, premiered.
2007: Cameos on George Lopez Show
In 2007, Jerry Springer made cameo appearances in several episodes of the "George Lopez Show."
2007: America's Got Talent Host
Springer became the host of America's Got Talent in 2007.
2007: Hosts Nothing But the Truth
Springer hosted "Nothing But the Truth," the UK adaptation of "Nada más que la verdad," in 2007.
May 16, 2008: Northwestern University Commencement Address
On May 16, 2008, despite some controversy, Jerry Springer delivered the commencement address at Northwestern University School of Law, speaking about ethical decision-making.
August 27, 2008: Who Do You Think You Are? Appearance
On August 27, 2008, Springer appeared on the BBC One series Who Do You Think You Are?, where he learned about his grandmothers' tragic deaths in Nazi concentration camps.
December 12, 2008: Guest Hosts Have I Got News for You
Springer guest hosted "Have I Got News for You" on December 12, 2008.
2008: End of America's Got Talent Hosting
Springer's time as host of America's Got Talent concluded in 2008.
2008: Hosts Miss Universe
In 2008, Springer hosted the Miss Universe competition.
April 2009: Appears on Chris Moyles Show and Countdown
In April 2009, Springer appeared as a guest on the "Chris Moyles Show" and the game show "Countdown."
May 31, 2009: Guest on The Andrew Marr Show
On May 31, 2009, Springer was a guest on "The Andrew Marr Show."
February 15, 2010: Guest Host on WWE Raw
Jerry Springer served as the guest host for WWE Raw on February 15, 2010, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.
2010: Baggage Premieres on GSN
Springer began hosting the dating game show "Baggage" on GSN in 2010.
June 2012: Stars in Chicago on London Stage
In June 2012, Springer starred as Billy Flynn in a production of the musical "Chicago" at the Cambridge Theatre in London.
July 2012: Hosts Price is Right Live! in Vancouver
Springer hosted "Price is Right Live!" at Vancouver's Boulevard Casino in July 2012.
January 2014: Tabloid Premieres on Investigation Discovery
Springer began hosting the Investigation Discovery series "Tabloid" in January 2014.
April 25, 2014: Guest Hosts The Adam Carolla Show
On April 25, 2014, Springer guest hosted "The Adam Carolla Show," filling in for Adam Carolla.
September 8, 2014: Guest Hosts WWE Raw
Springer guest hosted the 22nd season premiere of WWE Raw on September 8, 2014, where he attempted to mediate a dispute between The Bella Twins.
2014: 8 Out of 10 Cats Appearance
In 2014, Jerry Springer was a guest panelist on 8 Out of 10 Cats.
April 2015: The Jerry Springer Podcast Debuts
Jerry Springer launched his podcast, "The Jerry Springer Podcast," on his website in April 2015, later partnering with Westwood One for streaming and broadcasting.
2015: Through the Keyhole Appearance
In 2015, Jerry Springer appeared on Through the Keyhole.
2015: Jerry Springer Presents WWE Too Hot For TV Premieres
Springer hosted "Jerry Springer Presents WWE Too Hot For TV" on the WWE Network in 2015.
2015: The Jerry Springer Podcast
Springer started hosting The Jerry Springer Podcast in 2015.
2015: Baggage Ends
"Baggage," hosted by Jerry Springer, concluded its run in 2015.
2016: Support for Hillary Clinton
In 2016, Springer voiced his support for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
2016: Covers 2016 US Presidential Election for ITV
Springer covered the 2016 US Presidential Election for ITV's "Good Morning Britain."
2016: Guest Hosts The One Show
Springer guest hosted three episodes of the BBC's "The One Show" with Alex Jones, one being in 2016.
2017: QI Appearance
In 2017, Springer appeared on an episode of QI titled "Noodles".
2017: Guest Hosts The One Show
Springer made a second guest appearance on The One Show in 2017.
July 26, 2018: The Jerry Springer Show Ends Syndication
On July 26, 2018, after 27 seasons, "The Jerry Springer Show" aired its final episode in syndication.
September 10, 2018: The Jerry Springer Show Begins Airing Reruns on The CW
Following the end of its syndication run, "The Jerry Springer Show" began airing reruns on The CW network on September 10, 2018.
2018: Guest Hosts The One Show
In 2018, Springer made his third guest appearance on "The One Show".
2018: End of Jerry Springer Show
The Jerry Springer Show concluded its run in 2018 after 27 years on air.
2018: Considered Gubernatorial Run
Springer considered running for governor of Ohio again in 2018 but ultimately did not.
2018: Hosts Price is Right Live! in Cincinnati
In 2018, Springer hosted "Price is Right Live!" at Jack Cincinnati Casino.
September 9, 2019: Judge Jerry Premieres
Jerry Springer debuted a new courtroom show, "Judge Jerry," on September 9, 2019. This show allowed him to utilize his legal background in a different television format.
2019: Judge Jerry Premiere
Springer began hosting the courtroom show Judge Jerry in 2019.
March 9, 2022: Judge Jerry Cancelled
"Judge Jerry" was cancelled on March 9, 2022, after three seasons.
August 22, 2022: Judge Jerry's Final Episode Airs
The final episode of "Judge Jerry" aired on August 22, 2022.
2022: End of Judge Jerry and Podcast
Both Judge Jerry and The Jerry Springer Podcast ended in 2022.
2022: The Jerry Springer Podcast Ends
In 2022, "The Jerry Springer Podcast" concluded its run. During its run, Springer became the second American talk show host to travel to Cuba for the podcast.
2022: The Masked Singer Appearance
In 2022, Jerry Springer participated in season eight of The Masked Singer as "Beetle" and was eliminated on "Muppet Night".
April 27, 2023: Death of Jerry Springer
Jerry Springer passed away from pancreatic cancer on April 27, 2023, at the age of 79.