Steve Wilkos 'Devastated' By Tragic Death Of Jerry Springer

Steve Wilkos has broken his silence and issued an official statement after learning of Jerry Springer’s death. Jerry Springer was a mentor of the 59-year-old talk show host. He was very much like a second father to Steve.

Steve Wilkos ‘Devastated’ By Tragic Death Of Jerry Springer

Second, only to Steve’s actual father, the host of The Steve Wilkos Show considered Jerry Springer to be “the most influential man” in his life. The talk show host who followed in Jerry’s footsteps with his own show recognizes that he is the man he is today thanks to Jerry Springer. And, he’s absolutely gutted to learn his mentor has passed away.

Giving an official statement to US Weekly, here’s what Steve Wilkos had to say:

“Everything I have today, I owe to Jerry. He was the smartest, most generous, kindest person I’ve ever known. My wife [Rachelle Wilkos] and I are devastated. We will miss him terribly.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzFsnD-Dvkc

Jene Galvin, the family’s spokesperson, also issued a statement to US Weekly stating that Jerry was “irreplaceable” and his passing left his loved ones in an immense amount of pain. The spokesperson added, “but memories of his intellect, heart, and humor will live on.

The family’s spokesperson also shared how fans could honor Jerry and pay respects to him in the best way possible:

“To remember Jerry, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider following his spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization.”

He Was Originally Hired As A Security Guard

As fans know, Steve Wilkos was originally hired to be one of the security guards on The Jerry Springer Show. In 2006, he even stepped in as a substitute host while Jerry Springer competed on Dancing With The Stars.

During an interview with Daily Blast Live, Steve Wilkos explained that he had originally been hired just to be a security guard during one episode. He recalled thinking he would come, do his job, and that would be the end of it.

Steve added as he explained how his relationship with Jerry blossomed: “When Jerry really started becoming huge, he didn’t want to travel by himself and he asked me to travel with him. You spend that much time together on the road [and] we became very close.”

After being part of Jerry’s show for ten seasons, Steve ended up leaving to host his own show instead. Thanks to working with Jerry Springer, he has successfully hosted The Steve Wilkos Show for over 15 Seasons.

Do you understand why Steve Wilkos is so heartbroken over the death of Jerry Springer? Did you know he was originally hired just to be a security guard for one day?