Regis Philbin Has Died at Age 88
Regis Philbin, iconic television host and mainstay in the entertainment industry, has died. He was 88.
According to People, Philbin passed away on Friday (July 24) of natural causes. "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 told the outlet exclusively, addding: "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 began his decades-long career in front of the camera with a local talk show in San Diego, before joining The Joey Bishop Show in the '60s. However, he's most known as being the host of Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee, which first came on the air in 1988. Thirteen years later, Kathie Lee Gifford was replaced by Kelly Ripa, but Regis held onto his role until 2011.
During his tenure on Live!, Philbin won two Daytime Emmy awards for outstanding talk show host, as well as the lifetime achievement honor in 2008.
Philbin is survived by his wife Joy and his four daughters.
