Regis Philbin has died at the age of 88.
The legendary morning TV host died on July 24 People confirmed.
A statement to the publication read: “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 one of the US’ most iconic presenters.
Regis was a presenting legend
He shot to fame in 1988 with morning TV talk show Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee alongside Kathie Lee Gifford.
Regis remained at the hosting helm for 15 years, before leaving the ABC show, however, the pair remain close friends.
In 2001, the Live! franchise became Live! with Regis and Kelly seeing the veteran host present alongside Kelly Ripa.
He then left the show in 2013, seeing him replaced by Michael Strahan, who would then be taken over from by American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest.
Regis and Kathie Lee were the original Live! presenters
Regis took the hosting helm on a number of legendary shows, and was the original host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? from 1999 to 2001.
While other programmes included Million Dollar Password and the original series of America’s Got Talent.
Regis also had a number of movie credits to his name including Shrek The Third and Cheaper By The Dozen.
Tributes have been pouring in for the iconic host on Twitter.
Tributes have been pouring in for Regis Philbin
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Ross Matthews tweeted: “Watching #RegisPhilbin as a kid was so influential. His easy nature, story telling & uproarious sense of humor made me want to be like him. We met in the early 2000’s & told him I’d always wanted to meet him. He smiled, shook my hand & said, ‘Well now you have.’ A class act.”
Rocker Bret Michaels posted: “My deepest condolences go out to the family & friends of #RegisPhilbin. I had the honor of being on LIVE several times including his final week of episodes with the song #FarewellToRegis.Regis was always awesome & the best. He will be missed.”
The Bronx-native is survived by his four children JJ, Daniel, Joanna and Amy.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
