Television Host Regis Philbin Dead at 88

The long career of one of television’s most recognizable personalities has come to an end. Today brings with it the sad news that Regis Philbin died at the age of 88 on Friday night. Philbin was best known for his work hosting programs like Live! with Regis and Kelly and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? — though his career in television spanned the course of 60 years.

Philbin’s career in television began in San Diego in the early 1960s. He achieved a greater level of fame later in the decade as the sidekick to Rat Pack member Joey Bishop on The Joey Bishop Show. Philbin’s career can be seen as a bridge between different eras of entertainment; as news of his death spread, among those paying tribute to him on Twitter was Jimmy Kimmel.

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

In 1983, Philbin began a long stint hosting The Morning Show, which soon became Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee. Co-host Kathie Lee Gifford left the show in 2000; a year later, Kelly Ripa joined Philbin, and the show was renamed Live! with Regis and Kelly. Philibin announced his departure from the show in 2011.

#KellyRipa remembers #RegisPhilbin– " He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years"https://t.co/PKvp8IokJR

— ET Canada (@ETCanada) July 25, 2020

Philbin also hosted the initial American version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire from 1999 to 2002. It was one of several games shows that he hosted over the course of his career, including The Neighbors and Million Dollar Password. Philbin also recorded several albums over the years, including 2005’s The Regis Philbin Christmas Album, which found him duetting with Donald Trump on a version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

For multiple generations of television viewers, Philbin was a perennial presence, whether as host or amiable guest. His was a towering career.

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