Steve Wilkos Shares Final Conversation He Had With Jerry Springer
This morning, Steve Wilkos joined iHeartRadio's Breakfast Club to provide highly anticipated insights into his life and experiences.
The show includes segments such as Jess Hilarious' "Jess With The Mess," Charlamagne tha God's "Donkey of the Day," DJ Envy's mixes, and various other engaging content.
After giving Steve the opportunity to express his views on Wendy Williams and her current health crisis, the show shifted its focus to Wilkos' relationship with Jerry Springer.
Co-host Charlamagne tha God inquired about the portrayal of Williams' situation on television and individuals like Springer, whose cancer diagnosis was previously undisclosed.
"What do you say to people who feel like celebrities have an obligation to show you the bad since you've seen all the good?," Charlamagne, 45, asked.
Wilkos, 60, responded, "Jerry didn't even tell me he had cancer." He continued, revealing that a month before Springer died, he invited Wilkos to a dinner with his long-standing crew and security.
Wilkos declined the impromptu outing due to exhaustion from taping six episodes earlier that day for 'The Steve Wilkos Show.' Nevertheless, Springer expressed his desire to see his friend, to which Wilkos responded with a compromise, agreeing to meet for a cigar later after Springer had concluded the dinner.
He recalled that he and Springer typically focused solely on current events in each other's lives, never delving into reminiscences of the past glory days. However, on that particular night, they found themselves discussing the glory days at length.
Wilkos reportedly enjoyed the nostalgic journey with his old friend. However, sensing something amiss, he couldn't help but ask Springer, "Are you okay?" upon noticing his friend's trembling. Springer reassured Wilkos that he was indeed fine, and the two spent a fantastic last day together.
Before sharing his concluding thoughts, Steve emphasized that at no point did Springer, the former mayor of Cincinnati, hint to him that he was battling pancreatic cancer. "That's the kind of guy he was," Steve shared. "He didn't want to burden me with that."
Jerry Springer died at his home in Evanston, Illinois, on April 27, 2023. He was 79.
Steve Wilkos paid tribute to his colleague, saying, "Other than my father, Jerry was the most influential man in my life. Everything I have today I owe to Jerry. He was the smartest, most generous, kindest person I've ever known. My wife and I are devastated. We will miss him terribly."
