Jerry Springer, known for his notorious TV shows, dies at 79

Jerry Springer, renowned for his controversial TV talk shows, has passed away aged 79.

According to his publicists, the television personality died peacefully at his home in Chicago on Thursday.

Jene Galvin, a friend of Springer's and spokesman for the family, mourned his loss in a statement. 

"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 said.

"He's irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart, and humour will live on."

Springer rose to fame for his raucous stints at his talk shows that involved outrageous arguments and physical confrontations between brawling couples and homewreckers.

Despite endorsing the “silly” nature of his show, Springer basked in the fame it brought.

“I think [the show is] silly, crazy, and has no redeeming social value other than an hour of escapism,” he said in 2010. “There is never anything on our show that hasn’t been on the front pages of newspapers in America. The only difference is that the people on my show aren’t famous.”

“It’s a show about craziness,” he added. “I know that going in every day.”