Hey there, friends. Let’s take a moment to honor a true television icon, Regis Philbin, who passed away on July 24, 2020, at the age of 88. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news with a heartfelt statement that touched the lives of millions who tuned in to his shows over the years.
Here's what the family shared with Us Weekly: “We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, just one month shy of his 89th birthday.” They went on to express their gratitude, saying, “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.”
From Sidekick to Superstar
Regis first gained fame in the 1960s as Joey Bishop’s sidekick on The Joey Bishop Show. This was just the beginning of an illustrious career that would span over six decades. After working with Joey Bishop from 1967 to 1969, Regis moved on to host several morning talk shows. Then, in the early '80s, he relocated to New York to join The Morning Show. Once Regis took the reins, the ratings skyrocketed. Viewers adored his chemistry with co-host Kathie Lee Gifford, and the show was eventually renamed Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee. It was a hit, and everyone wanted a piece of Regis’ charm.
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As they say, all good things must evolve. In 2000, Kathie Lee decided to leave the show, and Kelly Ripa stepped in as her replacement. Kelly, now 49, was new to the hosting world, but she quickly found her groove alongside Regis. Together, they kept the show vibrant and engaging until Regis decided to retire in 2011. The show eventually added Ryan Seacrest and became Live! With Kelly and Ryan. Regis left behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Health Battles and Triumphs
Regis faced various health challenges throughout his career. In 1993, he underwent an angioplasty, followed by a triple bypass surgery in 2007. Then, in 2009, he had hip replacement surgery and later dealt with a blood clot in his calf. But through it all, Regis remained resilient, always putting his family and fans first. His determination was truly remarkable.
