According to new reports, the legendary TV host has passed away. He was 88.
Regis Philbin, mostly known for hosting iconic TV shows such as America’s Got Talent, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and also Live! with Regis and Kelly is no longer amongst us and everyone on social media is in mourning, his colleagues in the field, especially.
The sad news was shared by a rep of his family in an official statement via ET.
It reads: ‘We are deeply saddened to say our beloved Regis passed away last night from natural causes, a month shy of his 89 th birthday’ His family and friends are grateful for all the time we got to spend with him – his warmth, legendary sense of humor, and singular ability to make every day into something worth discussing. We thank all his fans for their incredible support over his sixty years long career and ask for privacy.’
As fans might be aware, Regis Philbin had actually been struggling with a number of serious health issues throughout his life.
That being said, it is known that back in 2007, he needed to undergo triple bypass surgery.
Regis Philbin is one of the most iconic TV hosts in history and his successful career even brought him a Guinness World Record in 2004 for more than 16,000 hours in front of the camera as a host.
That was also the same year he ended up filling in for Dick Clark on Dick Clark’s New Year Rocking Eve special!
While his most known gig has definitely been Live! with Regis and Kelly, his transition from morning TV to prime time TV was really exciting for Regis when he went on to host Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and America’s Got Talent as well.
Opening up about this, he previously shared with The New York Times: ‘That was the highlight of my whole life. I realized there was a difference between a morning show and prime time. ‘Regis saved the network!’ I just used to just walk around saying that. I was a big man, a giant! It was such a wonderful time in a broadcaster’s life to get a gig like that.’
Rest in Peace, Regis Philbin!