Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos have been friends for over two decades. Both were successful talk show hosts and often worked together.

In an emotional interview with Entertainment Tonight, Wilkos revealed the last time he saw his friend before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Wilkos described their meeting as a “great time” where the two reminisced about old times and talked about their current work.

Wilkos said, “We were just two old guys talking about old times, current times, what we’re doing, what we’re not doing, and we just had a great time.”

The two discussed their past experiences in the entertainment industry, as well as their personal lives.

Wilkos said that they both had grown children and grandchildren and discussed their families.

He also said that they talked about their different paths in life and how they had both become successful talk show hosts.

Wilkos expressed how much he valued his friendship with Springer and how he considered him a mentor.

He said, “I learned a lot from Jerry. I think he learned a lot from me. I value our friendship.”

Wilkos also spoke about how Springer had helped him get his own talk show, The Steve Wilkos Show, off the ground.

He said, “Jerry gave me my own talk show, and I’m forever grateful to him for that.”

Wilkos and Springer have not been able to see each other in person due to the pandemic, but Wilkos said they stay in touch through phone calls and texts.

He added, “We talk all the time, and he’s doing great. We just hope that this whole COVID thing ends and we can see each other again.”

Wilkos also mentioned that he has a lot of respect for Springer’s work and that he thinks he will always be remembered for his contributions to the talk show genre.

He said, “I think Jerry will go down in history as one of the great talk show hosts. And I don’t think that’s ever gonna change.”

Overall, Wilkos spoke fondly of his friend and the impact he has had on his life and career.