In Memory of Regis Philbin (1931-2020)

Regis Philbin
1931-2020
Television titan Regis Philbin has died today. Philbin had a career in television that sprawled seven decades, first working in television in 1955 as a Tonight Show page. His first starring role was in the San Diego-based Regis Philbin Show, where he pioneered his now-famous "host chat" segment. In 1967, he made his national TV breakthrough on The Joey Bishop Show, where he remained until the show's cancellation in 1969. It was in 1983 that Philbin joined the show that made him a household name, co-hosting the New York-based The Morning Show with Cyndy Garvey, his former co-host from a local Los Angeles talk show. After Garvey and her replacement left, Philbin was paired with Kathie Lee Gifford (then Kathie Lee Johnson), and the two would eventually become one of the most iconic television pairs of all-time, as the show was expanded nationally and changed its name to Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee. Philbin and Gifford remained together for twelve seasons before Philbin was paired up with Kelly Ripa, who he co-hosted alongside until his departure from Live! in 2011. He replaced Dick Clark on Rockin' Eve in 2004 as Clark recovered from a stroke, and served as host of the 2010 Daytime Emmys, having won four such awards himself. Philbin would later be reunited with friend and longtime co-host Gifford on the Today show, where he made sporadic appearances.  Aside from appearances on talk programs, Philbin was the first and most successful host of the long-running game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, having hosted the show in its initial run on ABC. He returned for a 2020 special dedicated to the show, appearing alongside new Millionaire host Jimmy Kimmel. He also appeared in various guest acting appearances, including recent stops on Fresh Off the Boat and Single Parents (which was created by his daughter JJ). Regis Philbin was 88, and leaves behind wife Joy and four children.

Philbin with Kathie Lee Gifford
The TV Ratings Guide sends its condolences to the family of Regis Philbin. May he rest in everlasting peace and may his memory be a blessing.

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