Hey there, friends. Let’s take a moment to reflect on one of television’s true icons. Meredith Vieira recently opened up about the late Regis Philbin in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly. She called him a “real” and “authentic” person, and expressed gratitude for having the chance to work alongside him during his storied career. It’s a touching tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
A Man Who Was Exactly Who He Appeared to Be
Meredith shared some heartfelt memories of Regis, emphasizing how the man you saw on TV was the same person behind the scenes. “There are so many memories of Regis,” she said. “Since his passing, folks have come up to me and said, ‘Boy, it must have been amazing to know him.’ And I always reply, ‘You did know him.’ The person you saw on television was Regis. He was genuinely curious, a fantastic storyteller, and an incredible conversationalist. Above all, he was just an all-around good guy who never forgot where he came from.”
Regis Philbin: A Life Well-Lived
Regis passed away at the age of 88 on July 24, 2020. He leaves behind his beloved children Joanna, J.J., Amy, and his wife, Joy Philbin. Tragically, his son Daniel Philbin passed away in 2014 at the age of 49 due to natural causes. Despite the challenges life threw at him, Regis remained a humble and grounded man throughout his life.
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Meredith described him as someone who “never got on some high horse about anything.” Instead, he loved to poke fun at himself and had a knack for elevating those around him. That’s why Meredith felt such a strong bond with him. When she was asked to step in as the host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? after Regis’s departure in 2002, he gave her the most heartfelt advice.
A Gentle Nudge to Be Herself
“He said, ‘You’re going to be great, kid. Just be yourself,’” Meredith recalled with a smile. “And that was the most genuine thing he could have said. He was basically giving me permission to step out from behind his shadow and just be me. It was incredibly liberating, and I’m sure he knew exactly what he was doing.”
After Regis’s passing, many celebrities took to social media to honor the man who touched so many lives. His former cohost Kelly Ripa called him the “ultimate class act,” while Sharon Osbourne praised him as a pioneer in the industry who knew his craft inside out. During a July 27 episode of The Talk, Sharon shared how Regis had a way of making everyone feel special.
