Former Marine, Jerry Springer alum gets show
By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 11, 2007 17:53:36 EDT



Marine Corps
Former Marine Sgt. Steve Wilkos has been a regular on the Jerry Springer Show as the no-nonsense head of security. Wilkos now debut in his own show, which airs later this year.

Former Sgt. Steve Wilkos, better known as “Steve the Security Guard” on “The Jerry Springer Show,” premiered his own nationally syndicated talk show Tuesday.

The bald-headed Marine admin clerk-turned-Chicago police officer-turned Springer strongman now serves as the host of “The Steve Wilkos Show,” which will feature him offering advice to people in trouble.

Wilkos got out of the Corps in 1989 after six years on active duty and credits his success on the police force and in television to his experiences as a Marine.

“One of my drill instructors from boot camp said, ‘If you finish this, the rest of your life will be easy,’ ” Wilkos said. “And he was right.”

He started on the Springer show in 1993 after producers requested Chicago police officers to provide security on their off-duty hours. Wilkos offered his services, and producers just kept calling after that, he said.

Wilkos said more than 90 percent of U.S. television markets have picked up his show. Check local listings for dates and times.

Ellie