Steve Wilkos

A native of Chicago, Wilkos served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for almost seven years before joining the Chicago Police Department. For almost 12 years, he kept the streets of Chicago's volatile 14th District (Shakespeare) safe while moonlighting during his off hours on television. Wilkos retired from the police force in 2001 and now devotes himself full time to his family and his show.

Prior to starting a show of his own, Wilkos filled in for Jerry Springer as host of the long-running The Jerry Springer Show on more than 50 episodes, using his law enforcement background and no-nonsense style to create his own identity as a talk show host.

Wilkos' many achievements over the years includes earning three Prism Award nominations for raising awareness about substance abuse issues, serving as the host of The Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy® Awards and being asked to lend his voice for a cameo on The Simpsons. Wilkos has also appeared in several TV shows and films, including the hit motion picture Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

A huge sports fan and avid golfer, Wilkos can be spotted at various professional sporting events such as baseball, basketball and football games. In his free time, he also likes watching Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Wilkos and his wife, Rachelle, who is executive producer on The Steve Wilkos Show and The Jerry Springer Show, have two children and live in Connecticut.