Regis Philbin dies at 88

Longtime television host Regis Philbin died Friday at age 88, according to multiple reports.

“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,” the beloved personality’s family shared in a statement to People magazine.

“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,” the family continued. “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 serving as the host of “Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee” alongside Kathie Lee Gifford in 1988. After Gifford left the ABC show 15 years later, Philbin hosted alongside Kelly Ripa before leaving the show in 2011.

Philbin was also the original host of the popular game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” from 1999 to 2002. He hosted the first season of “America’s Got Talent” as well as a slate of other beloved shows, events and more.

He is the recipient of Daytime Emmy Awards for “Live!” and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” He also received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2003 and a lifetime achievement award from the Daytime Emmy Awards in 2008.

Philbin was born on Aug. 25, 1931. He was raised in the Bronx and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1953. He later served in the Navy. 

He is survived by daughters J.J. Philbin, Joanna Philbin and Amy Philbin. He was previously married to Catherine Faylen and had been married to Joy Philbin since 1970. He was predeceased by his son, Daniel Philbin, who died in 2014.