The American television industry has lost a veteran talk and gameshow host, Regis Philbin.
He started work in TV in the mid-50s, and became famous with the national talk show “Live! with Regis”, first with Kathie Lee Gifford, then Kelly Ripa.
He was aged 88.
Recall, Regis announced in 2011 he was retiring from the weekday show, after he had hosted it for more than 25 years.
He also presented the US version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
His family confirmed in a statement that Regis passed away on Friday night.
“For his warmth, his legendary sense of humour, 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.”
Regis was the most-watched person in television history with more than 17 000 hours of airtime
Regis was a television personality for nearly six decades.
Former colleague Kathie Lee Gifford has shared an emotional Instagram post in honour of Regis.
She wrote: “There are no words to fully express the love I have for my precious friend, Regis. I simply adored him and every day with him was a gift.”
President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences, calling Philbin “one of the greats”.
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