By Bahle Gama
Talk show host Ricki Lake says she will remember Jerry Springer as a rival and friend for many years.
Springer who had a self-titled show that ran from 1991 until 2018, reportedly died at his Chicago home on April 27 at the age of 79 and Lake has paid a glowing tribute to her one-time rival.
Talking to Entertainment Tonight, she described Springer as a mensch, brilliant, hilarious person who was also absolutely devoted to his daughter.
Read More: Jerry Springer, Ohio mayor turned talk show host, dead at 79
Lake who hosted her own show for more than a decade, stated that Springer was a colleague, a rival, and a friend for many years and his persona was the polar opposite of what many remember of his show.
She also recalled competing against Springer on a music reality series ‘Drop the Mic’ in 2018.
“The last time I saw Jerry was in 2018 when we competed against each other on rap battles and in true form, he beat my a** and we had many laughs that day. He was always kind to me, and he will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace,†said Lake.
Read More: Angelique Kidjo to receive prestigious music prize
She further took to Twitter to pay tribute to Springer where she posted a throwback photo with the caption, “Just waking to the sad news of the passing of my longtime talk show rival and friend @jerryspringer. A lovely man. Here is the time he kicked my a** on the @DropTheMicTNT. May he rest in peace.â€
Springer reportedly passed away after battling cancer for a few months. Jane Galvin, a friend, and spokesman for the family told TMZ that Springer’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried, whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word.
“He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart, and humour will live on,†said Galvin.
