Jerry Springer.

Gerald Norman Springer

Jerry Springer — Actor

Born 13 Feb 1944 Highgate, United Kingdom

Died 27 Apr 2023 Evanston, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 82 yr If Living

13 min read

Reading time

2,454

Words

Jun 26, 2026

Published

92

Film credits

TL;DR

In 1944, Jerry Springer was born in the Highgate Tube station during an air raid. He served as mayor of Cincinnati before launching The Jerry Springer Show in 1991, which ran 27 seasons and became known for its confrontational format. He appeared in films like Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and inspired the Broadway musical Jerry Springer: The Opera. Springer died of pancreatic cancer on April 27, 2023, at age 79.

Identity & family.

KIN · 3

Names, aliases, and relatives of Jerry Springer — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Gerald Norman Springer

Nicknames Sultan of Salaciousness, Judge Jerry

Aliases Jerry

Parents: Margot Springer Richard Springer
Spouses: Margaret JoAnn Velten

At a glance.

STATS

Jerry Springer by the numbers — life, work, and family.

79 Years lived

92 Film credits

1 Marriage

Who was Jerry Springer?

BIOGRAPHY

Jerry Springer — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Margot Springer gave birth to Jerry in the Highgate Tube station during an air raid on February 13, 1944. His parents, Margot and Richard Springer, were German Jewish refugees; both of his grandmothers died in the Holocaust. The family moved to Queens, New York, when he was a child, and he attended Forest Hills High School. He earned a BA in Political Science from Tulane University and a JD from Northwestern University School of Law.

Career

Springer began his career in politics as a campaign aide to Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968. He won a seat on Cincinnati’s council in 1971 and was elected mayor of Cincinnati in 1977 with the largest plurality in the city’s 20th century history. After a scandal involving a prostitution arrest, he moved into television, working as a news anchor and commentator at WLWT-TV, earning ten local Emmys. In 1991, he launched The Jerry Springer Show, originally a serious talk show but later revamped to feature sensational topics, on-stage fights, and strippers, making it a pop culture phenomenon. The show ran for 27 seasons. He acted in films such as Domino 2005, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me 1999, and Ringmaster 1998, and appeared as himself on series like The Simpsons and The X-Files. Later, he hosted a radio show on Air America and competed on Dancing with the Stars.

Personal life

Springer married Margaret Micki JoAnn Velten on June 16, 1973, and they remained married until his death. Their daughter, Katie, was born in 1976 with a condition that required surgery for missing nasal passages; she is also legally blind and deaf in one ear. Katie worked as an assistant teacher at Chicago’s Park School for children with special needs. Springer donated $230,000 to help build a high-tech facility for disabled students at the school, named Katie’s Corner. A longtime fan of Buddy Ebsen, Springer counted Sally Jessy Raphael and Maury Povich among his close friends in television.

Legacy

The Jerry Springer Show redefined daytime talk television with its confrontational format, inspiring countless parodies. The show was adapted into the stage musical Jerry Springer: The Opera, which won the 2004 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the 2003 London Evening Standard Theatre Award. Springer’s Final Thought segment became a signature of his program. He created a talk show that was reviled and widely watched, making him a polarizing but unforgettable television personality. His protege Steve Wilkos later hosted his own talk show. Springer died in Evanston, Illinois on April 27, 2023, at age 79.

Filmography.

FILMS · 92

The complete filmography of Jerry Springer — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

The Simpsons

1989

TV

The Daily Show

1996

TV

The X-Files

1993

TV

The Kelly Clarkson Show

2019

TV

Married with Children

1987

TV

Dancing with the Stars

2005

TV

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch

1996

TV

Early Edition

1996

TV

Hollywood Squares

1998

TV

America's Got Talent

2006

TV

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

2003

TV

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

2003

TV

Have I Got News for You

1990

TV

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

1993

Showing 14 of 92 View all 92 films

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 3

A wall of memorable lines from Jerry Springer — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

I Would Never Watch My Show. I’m Not Interested in It.
If a Wrestler Could Be Governor, I Could Be President!
I Think Technology Has Changed the Way We See Things. Human Behavior Has Not Changed in the Last 3,000 Years. There’s Nothing That Has Ever Been on Our Show That Isn’t in the Bible, That Isn’t in Literature, That Isn’t in Shakespeare.

Did you know?

FACTS · 50

Little-known facts about Jerry Springer — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

He was born in the Highgate Tube station during an air raid while it was being used as a bomb shelter.
His daughter Katie was born in 1976 without nasal passages, a condition corrected by surgery. She is also legally blind and deaf in one ear, and worked as an assistant teacher at Chicago’s Park School.
He served as Vice President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
He spearheaded the effort to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 and testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of what became the 26th Amendment.
He owned a house in Lido Key, Sarasota, Florida.
A self-described country singer-songwriter, he opened for Billy Ray Cyrus and performed at Johnny Depp’s club, the Viper Room.
Growing up, he was a lifelong fan of Buddy Ebsen.
He won a seat on Cincinnati’s council in 1971 but resigned in 1974 after police found a check he wrote to a masseuse. He admitted paying for sex and won back his seat in 1975.
He spent the first five years of his life in East Finchley, London.
He attended Northwestern University School of Law.
A ventriloquist dummy representing the Dummies appears in the audience of his show.
His daughter Katie graduated from Barat College in May 2001.
Before his TV career, he was elected mayor of Cincinnati in 1977 by the largest plurality in the city’s 20th century.
The sons of guest Nancy Campbell-Panitz, who was murdered by her ex-husband after appearing on his show, sued Springer and his producers, claiming the show created a mood that led to murder.
He hosted a talk show in South Africa.
He hosted a radio program on Air America Radio and appeared on Dancing With The Stars.
The Jerry Springer Show debuted in 1991, replacing Donahue on WLWT-TV; he revamped the format to save it from cancellation.
He was named one of the 10 Most Fascinating People in 1998.
Before television, he worked as a campaign aide to Sen. Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.
His daughter Katie gave birth to a son in 2008, named after Springer’s father, Richard.
Jerry Springer: The Opera won the 2004 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
He won 10 local Emmys for his news and political commentaries at WLWT-TV.
He played Billy Flynn in the Broadway production of Chicago.
He mentored and befriended Steve Wilkos.
He was born in Middlesex, England, to German Jewish parents; his family moved to Queens, New York, during his early childhood. His grandmothers died in the Holocaust.
He holds a BA in Political Science from Tulane University and a JD from Northwestern University.
He ran for Governor of Ohio in 1982.
His talk show featured on-stage fights and foul language, as well as strippers and exotic dancers.
Cincinnati Magazine voted him TV’s Best Anchor five years in a row.
He established a scholarship fund at the Keliman School in Chicago for inner-city youth.
Jerry Springer: The Opera won the 2004 Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
He hosted a radio show called Springer on the Radio on Air America.
He wrote an autobiography, Ringmaster, published in 1998.
He was of Jewish descent.
The musical inspired by him, Jerry Springer: The Opera, won the Carlton Television Best Musical Award at the 2003 London Evening Standard Theatre Awards.
He died on April 27, 2023, at age 79, two days after the death of Harry Belafonte.
His Final Thought segment originated at WLWT-TV and continued on his talk show.
He gave his ex-bodyguard Steve Wilkos a spin-off talk show, The Steve Wilkos Show 2007, and served as co-executive producer.
The Jerry Springer Show was canceled after 27 seasons without announcement; Springer remained under contract with NBCUniversal.
He was lifelong friends with Sally Jessy Raphael and Maury Povich, all of whom worked in the same studio.
He did a cameo in Brad Paisley’s video I’m Gonna Miss Her.
He donated $230,000 to Park School in Chicago to build Katie’s Corner for students with disabilities in 2006.
He helped Stuart Lee and Richard Thomas obtain rights to produce Jerry Springer: The Opera when Studios USA threatened legal action.
He was friends with Joan Rivers but did not attend her funeral in 2014.
He is interred at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, Illinois.
He frequently talked about Robert F. Kennedy in interviews.
Jerry Springer: The Opera also won the 2003 London Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.
Before television, he was a partner in the law firm Grinker, Sudman and Springer for 12 years.
He was the only politician and television personality to host the same talk show that originally focused on political issues and later shifted to controversial subjects over his 55-year career.
He was born on the same day as Stockard Channing.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 42

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Jerry Springer.

When was Jerry Springer born?

Jerry Springer was born on February 13, 1944. He was born in the Highgate Tube station in London, which was being used as a bomb shelter during an air raid.
Where was Jerry Springer born?

He was born in Highgate, London, England, United Kingdom. He was born inside the Highgate Tube station during a wartime air raid.
When did Jerry Springer die?

Jerry Springer died on April 27, 2023. He passed away at his home in Evanston, Illinois, at the age of 79.
How old was Jerry Springer when he died?

Jerry Springer was 79 years old when he died. He was born in 1944 and died in 2023.
Where did Jerry Springer die?

He died in Evanston, Illinois, United States. He had been battling pancreatic cancer.
How did Jerry Springer die?

Jerry Springer died from pancreatic cancer. He died at his home in Evanston, Illinois.
What was Jerry Springer's real name?

His birth name was Gerald Norman Springer. He was commonly known as Jerry Springer.
What did Jerry Springer do for a living?

Jerry Springer was a television host, producer, writer, actor, and politician. He is best known for hosting The Jerry Springer Show.
What nationality was Jerry Springer?

Jerry Springer was an American citizen. He was born in England but moved to the United States as a child and became a naturalized citizen.
What language did Jerry Springer speak?

His native language was English. He spoke English throughout his career.
Who were Jerry Springer's parents?

His parents were Margot Springer nee Kallmann and Richard Springer. They were German Jewish refugees who fled to England and later to the United States.
Who was Jerry Springer married to?

Jerry Springer was married to Margaret Micki JoAnn Velten. They were married from June 16, 1973, until his death in 2023.
Where did Jerry Springer go to school?

He attended Forest Hills High School in New York. He earned a BA in Political Science from Tulane University and a JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
What is Jerry Springer best known for?

He is best known for hosting The Jerry Springer Show, a controversial talk show that ran for 27 seasons. He also appeared in films like Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Domino.
How tall was Jerry Springer?

Jerry Springer was 6 feet 0 inches tall, which is about 1.83 meters. His height was often noted in his television appearances.
Why was Jerry Springer called the Sultan of Salaciousness?

The nickname Sultan of Salaciousness referred to the sensational and often scandalous content of The Jerry Springer Show. The show featured on-stage fights, strippers, and controversial topics.
What name is Jerry Springer commonly known by?

He is commonly known simply as Jerry, which is a shortened form of his birth name, Gerald. He used Jerry as his professional name.
What were Jerry Springer's nicknames?

He was nicknamed the Sultan of Salaciousness and Judge Jerry. The latter came from a short-lived courtroom show he hosted.
Did Jerry Springer have children?

Yes, he had one child, a daughter named Katie Springer, born in 1976. Katie has medical conditions including being legally blind and deaf in one ear.
Did Jerry Springer have siblings?

Yes, he had one sibling, a sister named Evelyn Springer. However, little is publicly known about her.
Who were Jerry Springer's grandparents?

His grandparents were Marie Kallmann and Selma Springer originally Elkeles. Both of his grandmothers died in the Holocaust.
How many awards did Jerry Springer win?

Jerry Springer won multiple awards, including 10 local Emmys for his news commentaries. The musical based on his show won a Laurence Olivier Award.
What TV shows did Jerry Springer appear on?

He appeared as himself in shows like The Simpsons, The X-Files, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Married with Children. He also competed on Dancing with the Stars and guested on The Daily Show.
Was Jerry Springer a politician?

Yes, he was a politician. He served on Cincinnati’s city council and was elected mayor of Cincinnati in 1977. He also ran for Governor of Ohio in 1982.
Where is Jerry Springer buried?

He is interred at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, Illinois. The cemetery is located near Chicago.
Did Jerry Springer write a book?

Yes, he wrote an autobiography titled Ringmaster, published in 1998. The book covers his career and personal life.
What was Jerry Springer's radio show?

He hosted Springer on the Radio on Air America Radio. The show featured political commentary.
What is Jerry Springer: The Opera?

It is a stage musical based on his talk show. It premiered in London and won the 2004 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Did Jerry Springer have a cameo in a music video?

Yes, he appeared in Brad Paisley’s music video I’m Gonna Miss Her. He played himself in the video.
What was Jerry Springer's Final Thought?

His Final Thought was a segment at the end of each episode where he offered a reflective message. It originated during his time at WLWT-TV.
Was Jerry Springer friends with Joan Rivers?

Yes, they were friends. However, Springer did not attend Joan Rivers’ funeral in 2014.
What charity work did Jerry Springer do?

He was Vice President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He also donated $230,000 to build a high-tech facility for disabled students at Park School in Chicago.
Did Jerry Springer serve in the military?

There is no record of military service. He pursued politics and media instead.
What was Jerry Springer's educational background?

He earned a BA in Political Science from Tulane University and a JD from Northwestern University School of Law. He attended Forest Hills High School in Queens.
How did Jerry Springer change his show's format?

Originally a serious political talk show, he revamped it to feature sensational and confrontational content to boost ratings. This format became the show’s trademark.
What was the controversy involving Jerry Springer and a health club?

In 1974, police found a check he wrote to a masseuse during a raid on a health club. Springer admitted to paying for sex and resigned from city council, but later won his seat back.
Did Jerry Springer have a protege?

Yes, Steve Wilkos, who was his bodyguard on the show, later hosted his own talk show, The Steve Wilkos Show, with Springer as co-executive producer.
What is Jerry Springer's connection to Robert F. Kennedy?

Springer worked as a campaign aide to Robert F. Kennedy in 1968. He frequently spoke about Kennedy in interviews.
Was Jerry Springer born in a tube station?

Yes, he was born inside the Highgate Tube station in London during World War II when the station was used as a bomb shelter.
How many seasons did The Jerry Springer Show run?

The show ran for 27 seasons, from 1991 until its cancellation in 2018.
What movies did Jerry Springer act in?

He appeared in films such as Domino 2005, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me 1999, Ringmaster 1998, and The Defender.
Did Jerry Springer win a Laurence Olivier Award?

He did not personally win, but the musical Jerry Springer: The Opera won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2004.

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Audited & updated by

Michael is the last person to read a profile before it goes live, which makes him the one who catches what everyone else missed. 5 years as a copy editor has given him a sharp sense for what's off. A wrong year, a vague credit, a sentence that almost makes sense but doesn't quite. He's especially thorough with filmographies. He'll tell you that's where most of the errors hide. He's right.

Published on June 26, 2026

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