Jerry Springer’s softer side — helping children with disabilities in Evanston

Jerry Springer, who died April 27 at 79, was known for his rowdy talk show where guests would often duke it out on TV. “The Jerry Springer Show” was filmed in Chicago for much of its 27-year run. (AP file)

Jerry Springer was best known for his 27-year stint as host of a rowdy talk show featuring racy topics, profanity-laden arguments and all-out physical fights.

But Springer, who died last week at age 79, had a softer side, especially when it came to his daughter, Katie, and a school in Evanston where she volunteered.