From Bronx-native to beloved media personality: the life and career of Regis Philbin, the man who defined an era of American television

Darcy SchildJul 27, 2020, 01:54 IST

Regis Philbin was an American TV icon.American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images; AP Photo/Gerald Herbert; Donna Svennevik /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images

Famed TV personality Regis Philbin died at age 88 on July 24 of natural causes.
Philbin was known for hosting "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and his "Live" talk show series, first with Kathie Lee Gifford, and later with Kelly Ripa.
His long-spanning career in TV started with a job as an NBC Page in 1955.

Regis Philbin was born on August 25, 1931, and he grew up in the Bronx.

Philbin once said that he "never thought in a million years" that he would "ever be able to do anything in front of a camera or a microphone."

A signed photo of Philbin, circa 1960. Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer via Getty Images

But in 1955, Philbin got a job as an NBC Page, which started his career in TV.

A 1968 photo of Philbin from a separate role on "The Joey Bishop Show." American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images

In the early 1960s, he worked as a news reporter in California and later landed his own syndicated show.

A CBS 8 San Diego clip shows Regis Philbin in the early 1960s reporting for the station. CBS 8 San Diego

Philbin then starred in a live comedy TV series, "The Joey Bishop Show," from 1967 until 1969.

Regis Philbin on the "The Joey Bishop Show." Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Philbin also had a number of brief stints on scripted shows but said that he loved live TV more.

Regis Philbin photographed on the ABC TV series "The Big Valley" in 1968. American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images

Regis and Joy Philbin got married in 1970.

Regis and Joy Philbin in 1989. Time Life Pictures/DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

Philbin was said to often return to his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame, with his kids.

Regis Philbin and his daughter Jennifer. John Zich/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images/Getty Images

After a number of TV jobs, Philbin started hosting "The Morning Show" in New York City, which led him to one of his most iconic hosting roles.

Regis Philbin on "The Morning Show," 1988. Joe Dombroski/Newsday RM via Getty Images

"Live With Regis and Kathie Lee" was a memorable part of American morning television for 15 years.

Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford on a September 8, 1988 taping of "Live With Regis and Kathie Lee." AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Philbin and Gifford's show featured icons of the time, from Cher to the Spice Girls.

The Spice Girls with Philbin and Gifford. Reuters

Even with interviews and guest features, Philbin said that the show was successful because of its casual tone and chatter about the morning news.

Regis Philbin with Sarah, Duchess of York, in 1997. Reuters

"There has never been anyone like him. And there never will be," said Gifford in a statement about Philbin.

Philbin and Gifford in Atlantic City, circa 1991. Michael A. Smith/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images/Getty Images

Philbin later hosted "Live" with Kelly Ripa, who still hosts the show hosts today, along with Ryan Seacrest.

Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa. AP Photo/Charles Sykes

In 1999, Philbin started hosting "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" until 2002.

A 1999 promo shot for "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" Donna Svennevik /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images

The Philbin family's statement said that Regis' "family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him."

Joy and Regis Philbin at the Rose Parade in 2002. Reuters Photographer

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