RIP: Regis Philbin (1 Viewer)

[Walter Kittel]

Just saw on CNN that Regis Philbin passed away at the age of 88 (about a month shy of his 89th birthday.) Always enjoyed his appearances on David Letterman. Condolences to the family and friends. RIP Mr. Philbin

Regis Philbin, television personality, has died at 88 | CNN

Legendary broadcaster Regis Philbin has died, according to a statement shared by his family on Saturday. He was 88 years old. Philbin was the host of numerous television shows, including the morning talk show "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee."

www.cnn.com

- Walter.

 

[Dave Lawrence]

Outside of a few clips, I didn’t watch his daytime talk show. However, I can say that he was really good as a game show host. He was wonderful as the original host of the US version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and later on as the host of Million Dollar Password. As a Password fan, that most recent incarnation wasn’t a personal favorite, but his hosting was one of the positive elements. He will be missed.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Just saw on CNN that Regis Philbin passed away at the age of 88 (about a month shy of his 89th birthday.) Always enjoyed his appearances on David Letterman. Condolences to the family and friends. RIP Mr. Philbin

Regis Philbin, television personality, has died at 88 | CNN

Legendary broadcaster Regis Philbin has died, according to a statement shared by his family on Saturday. He was 88 years old. Philbin was the host of numerous television shows, including the morning talk show "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee."

www.cnn.com

- Walter.

Sad news indeed, I remember him as the co-host on Joey Bishop's late night show. A lifelong Yankee fan, may he R.I.P.

 

[Matt Hough]

Sad news indeed, I remember him as the co-host on Joey Bishop's late night show. A lifelong Yankee fan, may he R.I.P.

Yes, I'm old enough to remember him on Joey Bishop's talk show. I usually didn't stay up late enough to watch it, but I remember reading about his quitting on-air when some unkind reviews about him on the show were printed. Joey talked him back onto the show a few days later.

 

[Ken H]

Yes, for just over 2 1/2 years in 1967-1969, Regis was the Ed McMahon type side kick to Bishop, on The Joey Bishop Show, a briefly lived ABC late night competitor to The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. It was Regis's first big, national TV exposure.

The story goes that one night Regis unexpectedly delivered a on air resignation to Bishop and the rest of America, or at least the few viewers who were watching the ABC flop. He claimed the ABC executives wanted him out, he felt bad that he let the show and Bishop down, so he was quitting, and walked off the show while it was live on the air (I think it was live, could have been videotaped).

The next few shows, Bishop publicly proclaimed he wanted Regis to come back, and a few nights later Regis made a triumphant return.

Years later, Regis wrote a couple of books that claimed the entire thing was a stunt thought up by Bishop to pump up the dismal ratings. It really didn't work.