TELEVISION personality and ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ host for United States of America’s version, popularly known as Regis Philbin, has passed away at 88.
The TV legend, a household name during his ever-present, six-decade career on the small screen, died on Friday of natural causes according to sources.
Regis Francis Xavier Philbin was an American media personality, actor, and singer, known for hosting talk and game shows. Having been called “the hardest working man in show business”, Philbin holds the Guinness World Record for the most hours on U.S. television.
Regis Philbin
Philbin, embraced by millions for a not-overly-polished familiarity and brisk speaking style that seemed more neighborhood than Hollywood, was a dominant TV force in daytime for more than two decades, co-hosting “Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee” and “Live With Regis and Kelly.” He briefly became the king of prime time, too, as host of game-show phenomenon “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire.”
Philbin’s family confirmed the news in a statement sent Saturday by his representative, Lewis Kay.
His family said they were deeply saddened to share that their beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday.
“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.”
“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,” his family wrote.