How Jerry Springer’s bodyguard ‘Big’ Steve Wilkos went from Chicago cop to breakout TV star

Jerry Springer’s bodyguard “Big” Steve Wilkos went from Chicago cop to breakthrough icon on Springer’s wild talk show before rising to fame with his own show.

The two are forever linked despite Wilkos being on his own show for two decades, given their fame thanks to the Jerry Springer show. The former bodyguard has yet to comment on the death of Jerry Springer, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 79.

Wilkos, a former Chicago police officer and U.S. Marine, began his career as head of security on The Jerry Springer Show in 1994.

He launched his own talk show in 2007 and will celebrate 30 years of daytime television in 2024.

The Steve Wilkos Show covers family and criminal justice, true crime and relationship conflict.

Wilkos was patrolling the streets of Chicago in 1994 when a police friend, Mike McDermott, asked him if he would be interested in performing in security on The Jerry Springer Show.

Wilkos said he had never heard of the show but wanted to make some extra money, so he said yes.

He recalled his first batch of episodes centering on the KKK – which meant security had to be there in case of fights and riots. But he soon learned that there would be a lot more challenging Scrabbles to break up while with the show over the next decade.

He dealt with a series of dramatic guests and witnessed gruesome excerpts – some of which were titled “I’m Having Nightmares, Did My Dad Molest Me?”, “I Would Never Rape My Own Daughter,” and “My 4-Year-Old Sister said you were bothering her.’

Producers said it was Wilko’s no-nonsense attitude mixed with fatherly compassion that drew viewers to him – a personality that suited host Jerry Springer well.

Wilkos has yet to comment on the death of Jerry Springer, who died Thursday at age 79

Springer’s audience applauded Springer’s first name – JERRY, JERRY, JERRY – as his outrageous guests got into mad fights – squealing expletive rants.

In 2006, Springer joined Dancing with the Stars, so Wilkos acted as host.

Springer ended up competing for seven rounds, giving Wilkos over 30 episodes to cover. And he made quite an impression.

Springer decided to recruit him to fill in every Monday.

Oprah fathered Dr. Phil, so it’s about time I fathered someone,’ Springer said. “Steve was the obvious choice.”

When Wilkos left and launched his own show, many expected a similar format to The Jerry Springer Show.

But Springer himself would be the first to tell you that The Wilkos Show is not The Springer Show.

“My show is mostly comedy, you know, we’re doing a circus,” says Springer.

Steve got more serious. He was the tough guy who would be in your face… The viewers loved him.”

Springer show guests are said to have been encouraged to fight until security is forced to intervene. But Wilkos said it’s not about a theatrical scandal for him.

“Steve is an authentic, relatable and strong personality by day, giving a voice to those seeking answers and justice,” said executive producer Rachelle Wilkos.

The combination of his law enforcement background and his husband and father gives him a unique perspective that continues to engage viewers.

Steve puts his heart and soul into every story he does with the aim of empowering his guests in the studio and viewers at home. I am grateful to our incredible team and loyal audience for embracing us across all of our platforms.”

She went on to explain that Wilko’s role was different from Springer’s.

“Jerry only had one role, which was to be Uncle Jerry and crack jokes while the craziness continued around him,” Rachelle explained.

“Steve was there to step in when things got really out of hand, and I think they liked that. He was law and order.’

Springer hosted the smash hit “The Jerry Springer Show” for 27 years and became America’s guilty pleasure for wild and raw TV moments.

He also had a broad political career, even becoming mayor of Cincinnati in 1977 – and even considering running for governor of Ohio.

Wilkos became a news anchor and commentator at WLWT before taking on a new role as a talk show host in 1991 when he launched his iconic series

Some of the final episodes of the show were titled: ‘Stripper Sex Turned Me Straight’, ‘Stop Pimpin´ My Twin Sister’ and ‘Hooking Up With My Therapist’

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.”

On his Twitter profile, Springer jokingly declared himself as “talk show host, ringmaster of the end of civilization.”

He also claimed that the people on his show volunteered to be subjected to the ridicule or humiliation that awaited them.

His audience would cheer his name, while his outrageous guests would engage in mad fights – expletive-filled rants squealing out.

Springer called it “escapist entertainment,” while others saw the show as contributing to a weakening of American social values.

He would often tell people with a wink that his wish for them was “may you never be on my show.”

His show was so popular in the 90s that it even surpassed Oprah Winfrey’s program in several cities.