Legendary TV host Regis Philbin dies at age 88: Morning show icon whose 60-year career included Live! and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ passes away from natural causes
- Regis Philbin has died of natural causes age 88, his family has confirmed
- His family said he died on Friday, one month shy of his 89th birthday
- The host has been on the small screen since the 1960s, including Live! With Regis and Kelly, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Legendary TV host Regis Philbin has died of natural causes age 88, his family has confirmed.
Philbin passed away on July 24, his family shared with People.
The statement read: ‘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.
Legendary TV host Regis Philbin has died of natural causes age 88, his family has confirmed
Philbin leaves behind his second wife Joy, who he had been married to since 1970
‘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.’
The host has been on the small screen since the 1960s, with this star credits including Live! With Regis and Kelly (originally Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee), and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Born in 1931, he grew up in the Bronx in New York and attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a sociology degree in 1953.
Philbin served in the United States Navy before working in the television industry.
He was married twice – first to Catherine ‘Kay’ Faylen, then to Joy Senese since 1970 – and had four children.
Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford kid around for the camera during a studio session