Jerry Springer had a passion for continuing his career in television before he died at the age of 79.
The former talk show host, who died on Thursday, told PEOPLE in 2015 that he has no plans to slow down.
“I’ll stop when I’m 104. I want to enjoy my retirement,” Springer said of hosting. The Jerry Springer Show. “I’m lucky. I don’t need to make a living anymore. I work because it’s fun to do and people enjoy the show. I’ll keep doing it as long as I’m healthy. I can’t even imagine.” I do not do anything.”
Television personality hosted The Jerry Springer Show For 28 seasons and 4,000 episodes from 1991 to 2018.
Despite the success of the show, Springer has spoken out about the controversial nature of the daytime talk show.
“This is stupid” he said Today show in 2017. “And it has a niche, and no one else is getting into that niche, so I think that’s one of the reasons it’s still going on.”
“Nobody watches because of me,” he added at the time. “They’re watching because the stories are crazy and the people are extreme.”
PEOPLE confirmed that Springer died Thursday in a Chicago suburb after a “short illness”.
“Jerry’s ability to connect with people has been central to his success in everything he’s tried, whether it’s politics, broadcast, or pranking people on the street asking for photos or words,” said family friend and spokesperson Jene Galvin. Description for PEOPLE. “His is irreplaceable and his loss is so painful, but memories of his wit, heart and humor will live on.”
The statement continued: “Funerals and a memorial service are currently in development. To remember Jerry, the family asks you to consider following his spirit instead of flowers, and commit to donating or doing a favor to someone in need. A valuable advocacy organization. like, ‘Take care of yourself and each other’.”
RELATED VIDEO: Jerry Springer Shares What He’ll Miss Most The Jerry Springer Show
Don’t miss any stories — sign up PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date with the best PEOPLE has to offer, from engaging celebrity news to engaging human stories.
Springer also had a career as a lawyer, judge, and actor.
After that The Jerry Springer Showproduced and starred. Judge Jerryhosting another Connecticut talk show that lasted three seasons Price Right Live! type.
Many projects included Austin Powers: The Spy Who Loved Megame show luggage1998 comedy circus master And Jerry Springer Podcast.