Was Jerry Springer a real judge?
JERRY Springer, one of the most influential figures in TV history, has died aged 79.
Here we take a look at the life and career of the legendary TV host
Who was Jerry Springer?
Jerry Springer was a broadcaster, journalist, actor, producer, former lawyer, and politician, who was born on February 13, 1944, in London.
He was well known for hosting the smash hit The Jerry Springer Show on NBC.
The show first premiered in September 1991 and was on air for 27 seasons before ending in July 2018.
On April 27, 2023, Jerry's family confirmed the star had sadly passed away after suffering with cancer.
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Family spokesman Jene Galvin said. "Jerry's ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word.
"He's irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on."
Jerry's final TV appearance was on the last season of The Masked Singer US, performing as The Beetle to sing a Frank Sinatra Classic.
He is survived by his daughter Katie, who he had with Micki Velton, and sister Evelyn.
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Was Jerry Springer a real judge?
Springer hosted TV show Judge Jerry for three seasons.
It saw Jerry hearing various small claims court cases before determining the verdict.
The show, which was filmed before a live studio audience, was cancelled on March 9, 2022.
Jerry did not work as a judge prior to his television show, but was a partner in the law firm of Grinker, Sudman & Springer, from 1973 to 1985.
As part of the preparation for the show, he took a course which allowed him to be certified to preside over civil disputes.
This meant that he could decide on cases and award money to whoever won the claim.
Jerry already had a connection with the law.
He attended college at Tulane University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science, in 1965.
A few years later, he gained a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University - the highest law degree in the US.
Although this Doctor of Law dress isn't a PhD, it enabled him to practice law in an American courtroom.
Springer then worked as a political adviser for Robert F. Kennedy.
Following Kennedy's untimely assassination in 1968, Springer went to work at a law firm in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In 1974, he decided to resign after admitting to unethical conduct.
Overall, Springer was technically a real judge, but he could not oversee criminal cases or send people to prison.
When was Jerry Springer mayor of Cincinnati?
Springer was also elected to Cincinnati City Council in 1971.
Then in 1977, he was mayor of Cincinnati, but only for one year.
What happened to Jerry Springer's show?
NBC Universal decided to quietly cancel the show with no official announcement.
After 27 seasons, the show taped its final scenes on July 6, 2018.
Springer did not release a statement about the cancellation, but he spoke to about the end of the once popular talk show.
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He said: “We’ve stopped production of the show.
“Whenever you make changes, it’s sad.”