Regis Philbin dead at 88
Television icon was best known for "Live" and "Who Wants to be a Millionaire"
NEW YORK, N.Y. (KYMA, KECY) - Beloved television host Regis Philbin passed away Friday night at his New York home. His family says he died of natural causes just one month before his 88th birthday.
Philbin is best known as the host of "Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee" alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. He was also the original host of the popular game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."
Philbin was born in the Bronx in 1931. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, he joined the Navy. He later began his television career in 1950 as a page at the "Tonight Show." He rose to fame as Joey Bishop's sidekick on "The Joey Bishop Show."
In 2010, People was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters' Hall of Fame. He holds the Guinness World Record for most hours on TV.
Friends, fans, and former colleagues expressed their shock and sadness on Twitter Saturday afternoon.
President Donald Trump called Philbin "a fantastic person, and my friend..."
One of the greats in the history of television, Regis Philbin has passed on to even greater airwaves, at 88. He was a fantastic person, and my friend. He kept telling me to run for President. Holds the record for “most live television”, and he did it well. Regis, we love you....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2020
New York Governor Mario Cuomo mourned the loss of a fellow New Yorker:
New York lost a TV legend today.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 25, 2020
Bronx born and raised, Regis Philbin greeted us for years with our morning coffee and at night after dinner.
His humor and enthusiasm touched millions of Americans. My heart goes out to Joy and his loved ones.
Philbin's former TV partner on Live!, Kelly Ripa, and her current co-host, Ryan Seacrest, posted this tweet:
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.
— LIVEKellyRyan (@LiveKellyRyan) July 25, 2020
- Kelly and Ryan (2/2)
Hoda Kotb, who also worked alongside Kathie Lee Gifford for years, sent this message:
Heartbroken. We will miss you regis 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/kB8oag8BFO
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) July 25, 2020
Iconic TV journalist Maria Shriver also shared her respect for Philbin:
Regis was a legendary figure in TV. There was no one like him. I used to love watching him. He was always up, always genuine, always real. God bless, Regis. #ripregis #RegisPhilbin https://t.co/mJyWwT9FJ4
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) July 25, 2020
Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel took the news with a mixture of grief, respect, and comedy:
Regis was a great broadcaster, a good friend and a tremendous amount of fun. He leaves behind a beautiful family and a TV legacy that will likely go unmatched. Regis, I hope our friend Rickles met you at the pearly gates with open arms and a slew of the insults you loved so much
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 25, 2020
Ellen Degeneres sent her love to Philbin's family:
Regis Philbin spent more time on television than almost anyone. And we were all better for it. Sending love to his family and his fans.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) July 25, 2020
Actor Paul Ruebens, who's best known as "PeeWee Herman" shared his memories of the TV host:
I absolutely LOVED Regis Philbin. I knew him to always be interested in everything, current, happy, funny, generous and sweet. As wonderful a man as he was talented. And, as this photos proves, he was up for anything! I will never forget him and miss him very much. RIP Regis ❤️ pic.twitter.com/U2TWkStgv0
— Pee-wee Herman (@peeweeherman) July 25, 2020
The TV host was a lifelong New York Mets fan. The team mourned his loss in this tweet:
We are sad to learn about the passing of TV icon and fellow New Yorker, Regis Philbin. RIP pic.twitter.com/SIpYDgzPMc
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 25, 2020
Philbin was 88 years old. He leaves behind his wife, Joy, and four children.
