Legendary TV host and five-time Emmy-winner Regis Philbin has died of natural causes. Philbin was 88.
Philbin hosted ABC’s morning show “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee” for fifteen years, Kelly Ripa taking over for Gifford in 2001 though the pair remained close after her departure.
Philbin also served as the original host of the widely popular game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” from 1999 to 2002, along with the first season of “America’s Got Talent”.
Philbin held a Guinness World Record for ‘Most Hours on Camera’ in 2009 with a total of 16,343 hours on television. His family said in a statement on Saturday to People:
“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 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.”
Philbin was famously dedicated to work. He returned to hosting a show one month after hip replacement surgery, and one day after having an ankle blood clot removed.
Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.
