DWTS pro Kym Johnson remembers Jerry Springer as ‘an absolute joy’
Jerry Springer’s Dancing with the Stars partner remembers the talk show host – who died of pancreatic cancer on Thursday aged 79 – as an “absolute joy.”
Kym Herjavec (née Johnson) was paired with Jerry on DWTS in 2006. At the time, he was the most high-profile celebrity to appear on the ABC dance competition.
Speaking on Channel Seven’s The Morning Show on Friday, the 46-year-old said they grew closer while competing on the series, and that he was a father figure to her.
‘He was such a great man. When I first went to America for Dancing with the Stars, I worked with him, and he was just an absolute delight,” she said.
“I remember thinking maybe I didn’t know who [my partner] is, and she [the producers] said, “This is the biggest star we’ve had on the show.”‘
Jerry Springer’s Dancing with the Stars partner Kym Herjavec (née Johnson) remembers the talk show host, who died of pancreatic cancer at age 79 on Thursday, as an “absolute joy”
“I remember the first thing he said to me was, ‘I’m sorry,’ and I thought, ‘Oh, this guy is cute!’ He was absolutely the best. He became like a father figure to me.’
Kym said the family-friendly competition gave Jerry a chance to show his real personality after so many years adjudicating family feuds, nasty breakups and paternity scandals on The Jerry Springer Show.
“His show was so iconic and everyone knew him from the show, but he himself said Dancing with the Stars opened him up to a whole new audience. Everyone saw him in a new light and in the end we got very far in the competition,” she said.
“Not because we were that good, but people fell in love with him and wanted to see him every week.”
Speaking on Channel Seven’s The Morning Show on Friday, Kym (right) said they grew closer while competing on the series, and that he was a father figure to her
Jerry was on season three of DWTS, the first season Kym appeared as a professional dancer, and she was living in America for the first time.
The Australian native shared how he helped her navigate her new life in the US, and they remained friends after the show was over.
“We went to dinner and had great conversations and even after Dancing with the Stars we remained good friends. He texted me often to see how I was doing, and we would meet up for dinner when we were in the same city,” she said.
Despite being a beacon of controversy because of The Jerry Springer Show, Kym said the man himself was actually very thoughtful and always had time for his fans.
Jerry was on season three of DWTS, the first season Kym appeared as a professional dancer, and she lived in America for the first time
“He would be stopped — he was so recognizable. He was stopped in the street and people shouted “Jerry! Jerry!” and he would stop and take pictures and say hello. He was so nice to everyone. Everyone recognized him,’ she said.
Jerry’s family announced his death on Thursday after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
He died “peacefully” at his home in Chicago after his health deteriorated.
Tributes have poured in for the “irreplaceable” talent, with his family adding: “As he always said, take care of yourself and each other.”
Despite being a beacon of controversy because of The Jerry Springer Show, Kym said the man himself was actually very thoughtful and always had time for his fans.
Family spokesperson Jene Galvin said: ‘Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he attempted, whether it was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a picture or a word.
“He is irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
Jerry seemed to hint at his illness, saying during an interview last year that he wanted to retire while “still healthy” after NBCUniversal canceled its last show, Judge Jerry. He added, “I don’t have to make a living. I want to enjoy life.’
Known for hosting the smash hit ‘The Jerry Springer Show’ for 27 years, he became America’s guilty pleasure thanks to his wild and raw TV moments.
He also had a broad political career, becoming mayor of Cincinnati in 1977 and even considering running for governor of Ohio.
He was known for hosting the smash hit ‘The Jerry Springer Show’ for 27 years, becoming America’s guilty pleasure thanks to his wild and raw TV moments