Jerry Springer, an influential and controversial figure in US television history, has passed away at his home in the Chicago area at the age of 79.

The former host of 'The Jerry Springer Show', which ran for 27 years and featured outrageous guests and wild fights, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning after battling pancreatic cancer, which was diagnosed a few months ago. Though a family spokesperson stated that Jerry had been dealing with a brief illness.

Prior to his worldwide fame on the TV show, Jerry Springer was a former politician who ran for the US Congress in 1970, became a Cincinnati City Council member in 1971, and served as the city's mayor in 1977 for a single term.

His show, which started in 1991 as a political talk show, later transformed into a chaotic and immensely popular talk show that even surpassed Oprah Winfrey's show in some cities.

After running for 27 years, 'The Jerry Springer Show' came to an end in 2018, followed by Jerry's courtroom show, 'Judge Jerry,' which aired for three seasons.

He is survived by his daughter, Katie Springer, and his older sister, Evelyn. May he rest in peace.