It’s been a while since Regis Philbin’s name has come up on "Live With Kelly and Ryan." But during a recent episode filmed in Las Vegas, Kelly Ripa took a moment to acknowledge the late co-host with whom she shared a complex relationship. On February 27, Kelly, now 53, alongside her husband Mark Consuelos, visited Darren Aronofsky’s exhibit at The Sphere, where an unexpected conversation about the show's history unfolded.
A Serendipitous Encounter
While touring the exhibit, Kelly and Mark found themselves chatting with a humanoid robot named Aura. The robot was showcasing its vast knowledge base, and during the conversation, it brought up Michael Gelman, the well-known producer of the iconic daytime talk show "Live." Aura shared, “Michael Gelman is a well-known figure in the television industry, best recognized for his role as executive producer of the daytime talk show 'Live With Regis and Kathie Lee.'”
The Show’s Evolution
Mark, clearly amused and a little shocked, laughed and pointed out that the information was outdated. The "Riverdale" actor couldn’t help but joke about the show’s evolution, asking Aura, “Now it is known as 'Live with Kelly and Mark,' as in the two humans standing in front of you?” Aura responded with a nod, confirming the update. This lighthearted exchange highlighted how the show has grown and adapted over the years, much like its hosts.
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Regis Philbin: A Legendary Era
Regis Philbin’s tenure on "Live" was nothing short of legendary. From 1988 to 2000, he co-hosted the show with Kathie Lee Gifford. When Kathie Lee left the program, it was announced in 2001 that Kelly Ripa, known for her role on "All My Children," would step into her shoes. Kelly co-hosted with Philbin for a decade before he decided to retire in 2011. Tragically, Philbin passed away in 2020 at the age of 88 from natural causes, just a month before his 89th birthday.
In her 2022 book, "Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories," Kelly opened up about her experience working alongside the TV legend. She confessed that writing about her time with Regis was “the hardest chapter to write.” Reflecting on the relationship, she admitted, “There were good and bad days. I don’t want to feel like I’m slamming anyone or that I’m being disrespectful. But I also want people to know it was not a cakewalk. It took years to earn my place there and to receive things that were routinely given to the men I worked with. Including an office and a place to put my computer.”
A Complicated Bond
While Kelly acknowledged some challenging moments on set, she also shared fond memories of her time with Regis outside the studio. “Off camera and outside of that building, it was a different thing,” she said. “The handful of times we spent together, I so enjoyed. We went to the same resort once on vacation and he came to a dinner I hosted — one of the favorite nights of my life. I never laughed so hard.”
Through her reflections, Kelly paints a picture of a man who could be both challenging and deeply endearing. Their relationship was multifaceted, much like the show itself. It's clear that Regis left an indelible mark on both the show and Kelly’s life, one that she continues to honor and cherish.
