Regis Philbin, Beloved TV Host, Dies 88

Beloved television host Regis Philbin has died at age 88.  

Philbin’s family released a statement that read, “We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday.”

It went on, “His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him – for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, 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.”

Philbin’s former co-host Kelly Ripa shared an emotional Instagram post. She wrote on behalf of herself and her current co-host Ryan Seacrest. “We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin,” she wrote. “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.”

Philbin got his big break in show business when he co-hosted with Kathie Lee Gifford in 1988 on Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee. After Gifford left the show, Ripa joined in 2001 for Live! With Regis and Kelly. Regis left in 2011 after 23 years. He was replaced by former football player Michael Strahan and then again by Seacrest. 

Philbin is known for hosting Who Wants to be a Millionaire? from 1999 to 2002. He was also the host to Million Dollar Password and hosted the first season of America’s Got Talent.

100 CELEBRITIES WHO DIED IN 2019 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW