American television icon Regis Philbin has died at the age of 88.
The cause of death, according to his family was natural causes.
His family gave a brief statement to People Magazine:
“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 is most known for his long tenure on ABC’s Live With Regis and Kathy Lee which he hosted from 1988. – 2011. In 2001, Kathy Lee left the shot and was replaced by Kelly Ripa.
Philbin is also known for hosting ABC’s Who Wants to be A Millionaire from 1999-2001. Prior to his fame with ABC, Philbin hosted a series of radio shows in southern California.
Philbin is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joy Philbin, and his two daughters J.J. Philbin and Joanna Philbin. He had a son, Daniel Philbin, who died in 2014 at age 49 after spending his life in a wheelchair due to a spinal cord defect.
Many Hollywood figures and fans tweeted about their memories of the TV host:
#Regis, thank you for your friendship, your guidance, your generosity and your inspiration. #RIP pic.twitter.com/6ktpkh9Fnu
— LightsCameraJackson (@LCJReviews) July 25, 2020
When #Regis was on #StatenIsland Rab’s Bowling Alley. 1996. Rest in Peace Reeg…A New York icon!@siadvance pic.twitter.com/g7RaAdXuF0
— Nicole Malliotakis (@NMalliotakis) July 25, 2020
Regis Philbin passed away today at the age of 88. Here is a shot of him throwing out the first pitch at a @Mets spring training game in 2013. #LGM #MetsRewind #Regis pic.twitter.com/tWHcOD5hw6
— Mets Rewind (@metsrewind) July 25, 2020
So sad. Over 6 decades, from Live to Millionaire, #Regis a US TV institution. #ripregis https://t.co/kHgBrGyPEy
— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) July 25, 2020
Thank you Regis, the many years of laughter on your show with Kathy Lee. RIP…..