Beloved host and showbiz personality Regis Philbin has died at the age of 88. On Friday night, July 24th, Philbin passed away from natural causes, as confirmed by his family the following day.
Philbin’s old friends were quick to express their grief at his passing. “There are no words to fully express the love I have for my precious friend, Regis,” said former co-host ofLive with Regis and Kathie LeeKathie Lee Giffordon Instagram, “I simply adored him and every day with him was a gift.”
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Kelly Ripa, current host of the same show, now titledLive with Kelly and Ryan, shared her condolences as well. “He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday onLivefor 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,” sheshared on Instagram.
As a seasoned television veteran, Philbin’s legacy has long been cemented in the pantheon of show business. From talk shows to game shows to variety shows and every obscure guest spot he could wrangle, the name Regis Philbin likely means something to everyone even to this day.
Aside from his stint onLive,Philbinis arguably most well known for his run as the original host of the American version ofWho Wants to Be A Millionaire?His unique energy and rapport with every contestant were likely substantial contributors to the game show’s success, kicking off a run of 20 years and counting.
But his mark in the world of television was left long before that first multiple choice question was asked. Even his big break onLive with Regis and Kathie Leeonly began in 1988, when the show achieved national syndication. He had been on the show since 1982 when it was simplyThe Morning Showon localNew Yorkstation WABC-TV.
Before any of that, he began as a page forThe Tonight Showin 1955, followed by several decades jumping betweenvarious talk showsas host, co-host, sidekick, and anything in between. He even briefly had his own talk show,The Regis Philbin Show, in 1961. It wasn’t until later that decade, though, that he would finally begin breaking into the mainstream. Earning his first widespread exposure onThe Joey Bishop Showin 1967, Philbin starred as Bishop’s sidekick, sharing banter and barbs like a pro. That air of laid back professionalism would remain consistent for his entire career.
Boasting a career spanning over half a century, it’s no wonder the legacy of Regis Philbin has affected so many. Whether they remember him fromWho Wants to Be A Millionaire?orThe Joey Bishop Showor anything in between, almost everyone has a story they’ll never forget, and that’s one impressive legacy.
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