TV Host and Hall of Fame Star Regis Philbin Passes Away at 88

TV Host and Hall of Fame Star Regis Philbin Passes Away at 88

In an exclusive interview with the People magazine, the family of celebrity Regis Philbin shares the unfortunate news of his death. The representative said that the entire family feels blessed for the amount of time they could spend with Regis. Apart from being the legendary person that he was, Philbin was an extremely generous man with an amazing personality. (latestphonezone.com) He was capable to turn any topic into something interesting in no time at all. The beloved celebrity was 88-years old at the time of his death.

Remembering Regis Philbin

As per the reports gathered by People, Regis Philbin passed away on July 24. In his family’s statement, the rep also mentioned that Philbin died of natural causes only. It is deeply saddening to imagine the fact that he would have turned 89 in the next month itself. So, it seems that all plans are now useless, and only his memories will stay forever. The Philbin family also took the opportunity to express their gratitude for all the prayers, wishes, and lovely messages. Also, they are thankful to everyone for loving him so much for the 60 long years of his career. Also. They have requested everyone, especially the media to let them have their privacy while they mourn the death of their beloved Regis.

All through his career, Regis kept facing illnesses and had to undergo angioplasty in 1993. Moreover, he also underwent a massive triple bypass surgery to treat plaque in the arteries back in 2007. Last but not least, in 2009, Philbin had to get his hip replaced. The TV show host and celebrity married twice and is now survived by his two daughters Joana Philbin and J.J. Philbin. These are his daughters that he shared with Joy Philbin, to whom he was married for 50 years. Besides, he shared two other children with his first wife Catherine Faylen. They are Amy Philbin and Daniel Philbin. The latter passed away back in 2014.

The career of a legendary host

Philbin’s career as a TV host begun when he started appearing on Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee. His co-host in the show was Kathie Lee Gifford. After hosting together for 15 years, Kathie left the show. However, the two managed to stay in contact. In 2001, the name of the show changed to become Live! With Regis and Kelly. The new co-host of the show was Kelly Ripa with whom Philbin worked for almost another decade. Finally, he left the ABC show in 2011, after featuring in it for more than two decades.

After he left, the place was taken by Michael Strahan, a former footballer who again left the show to host Good Morning America. The next replacement happened in 2017, and the new co-host was Ryan Seacrest. Apart from the live show, Philbin was the original host of the extremely popular show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Starting from 1999 to 2002. Moreover, Philbin from New York was also the host of the hit show Million Dollar Password, Rachael Ray, and the first season of America’s Got Talent.

The early life of Regis Philbin

Regis Philbin was born on August 25, 1931, and grew up in the Bronx. After that, he completed his primary education from Cardinal Hayes High School back in 1949. Later, he attended the University of Notre Dame where he pursued a degree in Sociology. He finally graduated in 1953. For a few years, Philbin served in the Navy and then joined the showbiz as a writer. Philbin’s first-ever appearance in front of the camera was in 1961. It was for a San Diego talk show called The Regis Philbin Show. Later, in 1967, his popularity started rising when he became the sidekick known as Joey Bishop on the Joey Bishop Show. 

Philbin’s popularity was only growing with his appearances in an array of talk shows including Regis Philbin’s Saturday Night in St. Louis, and A.M. Los Angeles. By 1983, he had already shifted to New York to be the host of The Morning Show. The same was later renamed as Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee. Regis Philbin was awarded the Daytime Emmy 2001, as the best talk show host. In 2011, he also received the award for his outstanding contribution as host in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Besides this, Philbin was awarded the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003, and a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Emmy’s in 2008.

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About Shusree Mukherjee 70 Articles
Writing allows me to pour my heart out in words. So, that's what I've been doing for the past 6 years. I strive to bring in a change in the world by taking tiny steps of curating the right message that needs to be conveyed.

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