Jerry Springer was born in London, United Kingdom, on February 13, 1945. He studied at Tulane University before beginning a career in television as a political reporter and commentator for Cincinnati’s NBC affiliate.
But it was not until 1991 that he gained widespread notoriety when he was tapped to host the raucous talk show “The Jerry Springer Show.” But fans wonder if Jerry and Steve Wilkos were friends in real life. Here is a deeper look at their relationship.
From Security Guard to Steve Wilkos
In 1994, one year after the show first aired, Steve Wilkos joined the cast of The Jerry Springer Show as its security guard. Prior to joining the show, Steve Wilkos served in various roles within law enforcement, including a stint with Chicago PD.
Many viewers assumed that Wilkos and Springer were already good friends before the show began. But this was not the case.
The Beginning of an Ever-Green Friendship
In reality, it took time for the two to bond and get to know one another. During an interview with The AV Club in 2009, Jerry Springer said he “didn’t really become friendly with Steve until after they had worked together on the show for several years”.
He went on to say, “I never imagined when Steve first showed up…that I would eventually be so close to him.”
The Duo’s Relationship Off-Screen
As their friendship grew off-screen, so too did their presence on TV. After more than 15 years of hosting the show together, it was clear that Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos had a genuine friendship.
Both men showed deep respect for one another during interviews, with Wilkos describing his relationship with Springer as “a real bond between two people.”
The Legacy They Left Behind
Though the two may not have been friends before they worked together on “The Jerry Springer Show,” their connection grew strong enough to last until the end of Springer’s life.
It was one of Jerry Springer’s longest-lasting relationships. And one that will remain in the hearts and memories of fans everywhere.
The Final Word
Through their years working together, Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos impacted millions of viewers around the world, leaving behind a legacy of friendship and respect. Their relationship was a special one, true to their own personal values and the bonds that were built between them. It is a bond that will never be forgotten.
We may not ever know if Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos were friends in real life before they worked together on The Jerry Springer Show. But it is clear that through hard work and determination, the two developed an everlasting friendship that lasted until the very end.
And so, we bid adieu to the legendary pioneer of “The Jerry Springer Show,” his friendship with Steve Wilkos shows his gentle nature – and the kind of selfless human being that Jerry Springer was.