TMZ reports that the popular TV host and former mayor of Cincinnati died on April 27 at his home in Chicago following a brief illness. Sources tell TMZ that Springer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago. Springer was best known for 'The Jerry Springer Show,' which debuted in 1991 and ran for 27 years. It became a cultural phenomenon. At one point, the controversial production was more popular than 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'. On his Twitter page, Springer jokingly referred to himself as, “Talk show host, ringmaster of civilization's end”.