His first large career move came shortly after when he became an aide to Robert F Kennedy. Springer entered into the world of politics and sfter Kennedy’s assassination, he decided to pursue law in a Cincinnati firm.
By 1970, Springer was anxious to start his own political career. He ran for congress but failed to win a seat. However, he did earn a more than respectable 44% of the votes. Springer was also one of the loudest and most adamant proponents of the 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age from twenty-one to eighteen.
In 1971, Springer became a city council member for Cincinnati but was forced to resign three years later due to his involvement in a scandal. (He was found to have solicited the services of a prostitute.) In a press conference, Springer admitted to the allegations and openly expressed his mistake. That honesty helped reseat him in 1975. In 1977 he was elected to mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1982, Springer attempted to win the nomination for Ohio Governor, but failing to do so, bowed out of politics.
Next he turned his sights to journalism. Issuing commentary for WEBN FM, The Springer Memorandum became a hugely popular segment. He also earned a job at WLWT TV as a political reporter and commentator. It was here he coined his now-famous catchphrase, "Take care of yourself, and each other." Before long, Springer shot to the number one news anchor in Cincinnati. He earned ten local Emmys and held the position until early in 1993.
In 1991, Springer’s career took the turn for which he would be most known. The Jerry Springer Show was aired first on September 20, 1991. Replacing the Phil Donahue Show, the original conception was for a political talk show addressing social issues. It attracted guests such as Jesse Jackson.
However, in an attempt to boost sagging ratings, Springer sensationalized the show exponentially. Where homelessness and gun control were once the topic of the day, now it was post-op transsexuals, affairs, paternity tests, and fist fights. In 2005, a British version aired called The Springer Show, and it beat out Trisha Goddard in the ratings race.
Springer remains politically active and a large contributor to the Ohio Democratic Party. In 2005, his new radio show Springer on the Radio aired on Air America Radio.
Recently, he was involved in the latest season of Dancing with the Stars, where he finished in fifth place. Other contestants that have been featured over the shows three seasons include Lisa Rinna, Drew Lachey, Jerry Rice, Joey Lawrence, George Hamilton, Vivica A Fox, and Tatum ONeal.
Springer has also found some notoriety in the film world. In 1998, he played a character much like himself in Ringmaster. The film also featured Jaime Pressly, Michael Jai White, and Michael Dudikoff. He even had a part in the 2005 thriller Domino, with Keira Knightley and Mickey Rourke.
Springer has been married once to Micki Velton. They wed in 1973 and divorced in 1998; they have one child together.
YUDDY
