Renowned US talk show host and TV personality Regis Philbin passed away on Friday, his family said in a statement. He was 88 and died of natural causes.
The talk show host and presenter was best known for his national talk show ‘Live! with Regis’, first with Kathie Lee Gifford, then Kelly Ripa. He hosted the show for more than 25 years before retiring in 2011.
“For his warmth, his legendary sense of humour, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about. We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss,” read the statement his family issued to People magazine.
Regis also presented the US version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
He began his career in the 1950s, and became a fixture in American television culture with the morning talk show Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee, which began in 1988. In 2001, Kelly Ripa joined the show to co-host along with Regis.
In an Instagram post, Ripa, along with her current show (Live with Kelly and Ryan) co-host Ryan Seacrest, wrote, “We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin. He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for 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. 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.”
Regis was awarded a Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding talk show host in 2001, 2011, and 2012, outstanding game show host for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in 2001, as well as their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. He was honoured with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2003.
(With inputs from agencies)
