Regis Philbin receives tributes from late night TV hosts
By Matt Moore
The world of late night television remembered Regis Philbin
The entertainment industry lost an icon with the death of Regis Philbin. The television host passed away on July 24 at the age of 88.
Philbin’s career began in 1955, reaching high points as the co-host of Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee and the host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Known as “the hardest working man in showbusiness,” Philbin holds the record for most hours on U.S. television.
Philbin also has a special place in the history of late night television. In 1955, he was a page for The Tonight Show and later an announcer for the show. He then hosted The Regis Philbin Show in 1961.
From 1967-1969, Philbin was the sidekick on The Joey Bishop Show. He made countless appearances on shows like The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and more.
The beloved Philbin received a number of tributes following the news of his death. Late night television shows paid their respects to Philbin and his legacy.
Regis Philbin was remembered for his sense of humor and kindness
Nobody in late night television had the kind of relationship with Regis Philbin that David letterman had during his career. The retired Late Show host shared his thoughts on Philbin’s passing via Twitter, calling Philbin the best guest he ever had.
Regis is in the same category as Carson. Superlative. He was on our show a million times, always the best guest we ever had, charming, lovable and could take a punch. When he retired I lost interest in television. I love him.
— David Letterman (@Letterman) July 25, 2020
Others on social media recalled that Letterman’s first show after the 9/11 terrorist attacks featured an interview with Regis Philbin. It’s difficult to think of a better dynamic between a late night host and guest than the one that existed between Letterman and Philbin.
As the longest-tenured late night host still on the air, Conan O’Brien has had plenty of great moments with Regis Philbin. The television host was often name-checked by O’Brien in addition to being a frequent visitor to Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
The Team Coco YouTube channel shared a vintage interview between Philbin and O’Brien. The clip, which originally aired in 1999, demonstrates the hilarious chemistry between host and guest as well as Philbin’s ability to capture the audience’s attention and adoration.
Jimmy Kimmel also had touching words to say in remembrance of Philbin. Kimmel counts Philbin among his friends in addition to the professional relationship they shared.
Kimmel also referenced his friendship with the late comedian Don Rickles. Rickles was known to give Philbin a hard time, something Kimmel found great amusement in and often discussed with both men.
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
Both The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers will air new episodes tonight. Given his history with The Tonight Show, Regis Philbin should get special attention at the top of Jimmy Fallon’s show. Meyers will likely also share his thoughts on Philbin’s legacy and his contributions to late night television.
As Jimmy Kimmel said, it’s probably impossible that we’ll ever see someone who could match Regis Philbin’s legacy. Few people have had an impact on the medium like Philbin.
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What is your favorite Regis Philbin moment from late night television? Share your thoughts in the comment section.