Jenny Jones (presenter)

Jenny Jones (born Janina Stronski; June 7, 1946) is a Canadian-American TV talk show host. She hosted The Jenny Jones Show from 1991 to 2003.

Jenny Jones
Born
Janina Stronski

(1946-06-07) June 7, 1946
Bethlehem, British Mandate of Palestine.
OccupationTalk show host, presenter, comedian, singer
Years active1969–present
Spouse(s)
Jack Howard Poster
​
​
(m. 1969; annulled 1970)​

Al Gambino
​
​
(m. 1970; div. 1972)​

Buz Wilburn
​
​
(m. 1973; div. 1980)​
Partner(s)Denis McCallion

Life and career

Jones was born Janina Stronski in Bethlehem, then in the British Mandate of Palestine. She gave her place of birth on her appearance on "Match Game" in 1981. She moved with her family to Italy, and from there they moved to Canada in 1948.[1] Her parents were Polish immigrants, Zosia "Sophie", a seamstress and dressmaker, and John Stroński, a Polish army officer who was with the British Armed Forces at the time of Jones' birth.[2] Jones grew up in London, Ontario, in a strict Catholic household. Her parents ran a bridal shop in Canada.[3]

Jones started her career as a drummer in a rock band, and later attempted a career in stand-up comedy during the 1980's. Prior to that, her first television appearances were as a contestant on The Price Is Right in 1979, Match Game in 1981, and Press Your Luck in 1985.

The Jenny Jones Show

The Jenny Jones Show was an American syndicated daytime tabloid talk show that was hosted by Jones. It was produced by Telepictures and was distributed by Warner Bros. Television. The show ran from September 1991 to September 2003 and was taped in Chicago at WMAQ-TV studios.

Controversy
Main article: Murder of Scott Amedure

On an episode called "Same-Sex Secret Crushes" taped on March 6, 1995, a gay man named Scott Amedure confessed his love for an acquaintance, Jonathan Schmitz.[4] While on the show, Schmitz reacted with laughter. Three days after the show's taping, Schmitz killed Amedure. He was later convicted of second degree murder and received a sentence of 25–50 years in prison.[4][5]

Amedure's family then sued the producers of The Jenny Jones Show, saying they should have known about Schmitz's history of mental illness. In interviews, Jones said the producers told Schmitz that his admirer could be a man, but Schmitz thought that the admirer was a woman. Jones also said that the show didn't want Schmitz to know the outcome of his secret crush. Amedure's family won the initial ruling, and the show was ordered to pay them $25 million.[6][7] The verdict was later overturned by the Michigan appellate court.[5]

Women's health advocate

Jones was an honorary chairperson for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Chicago Race for the Cure, an annual event that raises awareness and money for breast cancer research. Jones also donated a mobile mammography motor coach to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.[8] Six silicone-implant operations since 1981 had left her with firm and asymmetrical breasts. Jones later had her breast implants removed, and publicly spoke out against them in a cover story article in People Magazine. Jones then went on to establish The Image Foundation as a resource for women seeking information about implants and support with body image issues.

In 1997, Jones' autobiography Jenny Jones: My Story was published with 100% of her proceeds going to breast cancer research.[9] In 2006, her cookbook Look Good, Feel Great was published and Jones again donated her profits to breast cancer research at City of Hope.[9]

Philanthropy

Jones established The Jenny Jones Foundation in 2005 as a means to provide assistance to those in need. Primary areas of focus are education, women’s health, and improving communities throughout the country. In 2008, Jenny established "Jenny's Heroes," a program where, through The Jenny Jones Foundation, she is giving two million dollars of her own money to individuals wanting to make a difference in their local communities.

Personal life

Jones maintains an official website, JennyJones.com; a cooking website, JennyCanCook.com; and a YouTube cooking channel. Another website, JennysHeroes.com, which she launched in 2008, features stories from anonymous people who positively impacted their communities. Jones has given over $1,000,000 to fifty such people who are looked upon as "heroes" since the website was launched. The website is based upon a segment of the Jenny Jones talk show which also featured such people.

Jones has been married three times. She married Al Gambino, a musician, in 1970; they divorced in 1972. Jones married Buz Wilburn (a record marketing executive) in 1973; they divorced in 1980. An earlier marriage was annulled. She is in a long-term relationship with Denis McCallion, who works as a film-location manager.

References
  1. Lipton, Michael A. "True Confession". People.com. Retrieved 2012-11-19.
  2. Glink, Ilyce (September 15, 1991). "Daze Of Talk". Chicago Tribune.
  3. Breu, Giovanna. "Body of Evidence – Plastic Surgery, Coping and Overcoming Illness, Jenny Jones". People.com. Retrieved 2012-11-19.
  4. "'Jenny Jones Show' Killer Who Murdered Male Admirer Days After Taping Secret Crushes Episode Is Freed From Prison". Oxygen Official Site. 2017-08-23. Retrieved 2017-08-24.
  5. "A 1995 TV show surprised him with his gay secret admirer; this week he leaves prison". SFGate. Retrieved 2017-08-24.
  6. Braxton, Greg; Lowry, Brian (May 8, 1999). "Jury Orders 'Jenny Jones' to Pay $25 Million". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-12-06.
  7. Rosenberg, Howard (May 12, 1999). "The 'Jones' Verdict—As the Squirm Turns". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-12-06.
  8. "Bio & Talk Show | Biography". Jenny Jones. 1991-09-16. Archived from the original on 2012-09-07. Retrieved 2012-11-19.
  9. "Learn About Jenny Jones of JennyCanCook – Jenny Can Cook". www.jennycancook.com.
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