Regis Philbin, the television personality best-known for his hosting duties on “Live! with Regis and Kelly” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” has died at the age of 88.
Regis Philbin, at age 88, has died late Friday or early Saturday July 25, 2020 from a heart attack/natural causes.
“His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him – for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about. We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career.”
— Family Statement
Of course, Regis is mostly recently well known for being the original host for the uber game show, ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ — which he hosted from 1999 through 2002.
However, his biggest gig began in the 1980s when he a co-hosted “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee” — a nationally-syndicated morning talk show that has continued to this day. Currently Kelly Ripa co-hosts the show with Ryan Seacrest — known as Live with Kelly and Ryan.
We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin. He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years. We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show. We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place.
– Kelly and Ryan
Regis began his career in Hollywood in the 1950s while working on “The Tonight Show,” when he worked as a page. Regis went on to work in local news also worked in the ’60s on “The Joey Bishop Show.” He replaced talk show host Steve Allen with ‘That Regis Philbin Show’ from1954-65, but didn’t match Johnny Carson’s strong ratings on the Tonight Show.
Philbin substituted on Late Show with David Letterman during Letterman’s recovery from quintuple bypass surgery.
Regis was battling heart disease, undergoing an angioplasty procedure in the 1990s, and a triple bypass surgery in 2007.
Regis is survived by his wife, Joy.
Biography of Regis Philbin: Kathie Lee to Millionaire on WatchMojo.com.
Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen gets Regis Philbin to Plead the Fifth on Fox Sport’s Crowd Goes Wild.
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On Kathie Lee Gifford’s last day on TODAY, she hears a touching message from a very special friend, her former TV partner Regis Philbin.
In a wide-ranging conversation between two broadcasting giants, Larry King welcomes buddy Regis Philbin to discuss life in retirement, career highlights, and, of course, former co-hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa. Regis also weighs in on a potential return to TV and America’s current political climate.
Debbie Matenopoulos sat down with Regis Philbin for Hallmark Channel’s ‘Home and Family,’ where he opened up about the real reason he left ‘Live!’ and the status of his relationship with his former cohost, Kelly Ripa.