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Topics: Celebrity, TV and Film
Ben Thompson
Jerry Springer's former bodyguard has spoken out about his last meeting with the late TV host as he says it felt like Springer was 'saying goodbye'.
Springer, who recently worked on a new show called Judge Jerry, passed away on Thursday (April 27) at the age of 79.
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His death was announced in a statement released by a spokesperson for his family.
"Jerry’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," the statement read.
"He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on."
As tributes continue to flood in, the star's former bodyguard Steve Wilkos has opened up about the last time he saw him.
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Wilkos worked on The Jerry Springer Show for ten seasons from 1994 to 2007.
When Wilkos, 59, last saw Springer a month ago, he claims that the TV personality made no mention of his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Wilkos told TMZ: "Looking back, I think he was saying goodbye to me and I didn't realise it.
"He knew how I felt about him so I don't have any regrets.
"He never mentioned anything [about his cancer]. I knew something was wrong, just because [of] the way he was being with me.
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"We've always been very affectionate and care for each other, but he was very emotional that night.
"And he hugged me like he'd never hugged me before and he was telling me that he loved me."
Wilkos also said that they spent their last meeting reminiscing on old times: "We did reminisce a lot that night.
"When you're in the moment, you're not really thinking about things.
"And honestly if you asked me that night who would live longer, I thought Jerry would outlive me.
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"Guy never smoked, never drank, kept his weight in check. I thought he'd live to a hundred."
Wilkos also spoke highly of the 79-year-old's role in his life.
He said: "Other than my father, this man has had more impact on my life than anybody has.
"If it wasn't Jerry, I wouldn't have the career I have. I met my wife on his show.
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"Through the ups and downs, he was always in my corner. Always very supportive."
Before working security on Springer's show, Wilkos was a cop in Chicago.
Since leaving the show in 2007, Wilkos has hosted his own show, which focused on family and conflict issues as well as true crime.
The Steve Wilkos Show is currently in its sixteenth season.