American media personality and broadcaster Regis Philbin, 88-years-old was announced dead hours ago, according to to a statement shared by his family on Saturday.
Regis Philbin was an actor and singer, known for hosting a number of popular talk and game shows in America. He was also called “the hardest working man in show business” during his career as a media personality.
“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,” said the statement sent to CNN Saturday.
“His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him — for his warmth, his legendary sense of humour, 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,” the statement said.
Philbin was the host of numerous television shows, including the morning talk show “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee,” which he co-hosted with Kathie Lee Gifford. Co-hosting duties were later taken over by Kelly Ripa and the show was renamed “Live with Regis and Kelly.”
Over the years, Philbin also hosted Miss America pageants and game shows like ABC’s “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
Regis Philbin was a hardworking man and had been nominated 37 Daytime Emmy Awards throughout his career
Philbin was nominated for 37 Daytime Emmy Awards throughout his career and won six, and he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. In 2006, he was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
Kathie Lee Gifford and Regis Philbin appear on NBC News’ “Today” show –NBC NewsWire / NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Philbin holds the world record for most hours on US television, according to Guinness World Records, with more than 16,700 hours on air.
In a tribute posted to Instagram, Philbin’s longtime co-host Kathie Lee Gifford said there were “no words to fully express the love I have for my precious friend, Regis.”
“I smile knowing somewhere in Heaven, at this very moment, he’s making someone laugh,” she wrote. “It brings me great comfort knowing that he had a personal relationship with his Lord that brought him great peace.
“There has never been anyone like him,” Gifford said. “And there never will be.”
Ripa and her current co-host, Ryan Seacrest, said in another post on Instagram that they were “beyond saddened” to learn of Philbin’s death.
“He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes every day on Live for more than 23 years,” the statement said. “We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire every day to fill his shoes on the show.”
Source: CNN
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