TV legend Regis Philbin dies at 88

TV icon Regis Philbin passed away July 24th, one month shy of his 89th birthday, his family confirmed in an exclusive statement to People. In loving tribute, his celebrity colleagues are mourning the TV legend's death.

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We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin. He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years. We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show. We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place. - Kelly and Ryan

A post shared by Kelly Ripa (@kellyripa) on Jul 25, 2020 at 1:12pm PDT

The Longtime television host broke onto the scene in 1988, with the daytime talker Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee. In 2001, the franchise became Live! with Regis and Kelly, as he was joined by co-host Kelly Ripa. Regis left the show in 2011 after 23 years on the air. His creation continues to be a daytime mainstay in its current iteration, Live! with Kelly and Ryan, co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest.

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Heartbroken. We will miss you regis. Nobody like you ?

A post shared by Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) on Jul 25, 2020 at 12:32pm PDT

Philbin was also the original host of Who Wants to be A Millionaire and the popular game show Million Dollar Password. Some viewers may also remember him as the original host of America's Got Talent.

Regis was a great broadcaster, a good friend and a tremendous amount of fun. He leaves behind a beautiful family and a TV legacy that will likely go unmatched. Regis, I hope our friend Rickles met you at the pearly gates with open arms and a slew of the insults you loved so much

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 25, 2020

After serving in the Navy, he started in show business behind the scenes, as a writer. In 1961, he moved in front of the camera with The Regis Philbin Show in San Diego. After hosting several more local shows around the U.S. he landed on a morning show in New York, which would 3 years later become Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee.

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I’m so sad to hear this news ?. Beloved television host Regis Philbin died on July 24th. He was 88 years old. "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 shared. "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 .” Sending love and strength to his family and friends. #restinpeace #regisphilbin

A post shared by Katie Couric (@katiecouric) on Jul 25, 2020 at 12:43pm PDT

In 2001 and 2011, Philbin took home Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding talk show host for Live! He also won the Emmy for outstanding game show host for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.He's survived by two daughters, whom he shared with his wife of 50 years, Joy Philbin.