Ricki Lake Remembers 'Rival' and 'Friend' Jerry Springer

etonline.com:

Ricki Lake is remembering Jerry Springer. After news broke that the TV icon died following a cancer battle, Lake spoke out in a statement to ET.«Jerry was a colleague, a rival and a friend for many years.

Jerry's persona was the polar opposite of what many remember of his show,» the 54-year-old TV host said. «He was a Mensch, brilliant, hilarious, and what I remember most, absolutely devoted to his daughter.»«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 ass and we had many laughs that day,» Lake continued, referring to an appearance on with Springer. «He was always kind to me and he will be sorely missed.

May he rest in peace.»Lake additionally spoke out on Twitter, writing, «Just waking to the very sad news of the passing of my longtime talkshow rival and friend @jerryspringer.

A lovely man. Here is [a picture from] the time he kicked my ass on @DropTheMicTNT. May he rest in peace.»Lake and Springer both hosted talk shows.