The 88-year-old beloved host of “LIVE With Regis and Kathy Lee,” and “LIVE with Regis and Kelly,” Regis Philbin, has died. Regis was a “longtime” friend of Donald Trump and wasn’t afraid to admit it.
In 2017, comedian Dana Carvey explained how he learned to imitate Trump while Regis and his wife Joy sat next to him:
10 Philadelphia reports – The genial host who shared his life with television viewers over morning coffee for decades and helped himself and some fans strike it rich with the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” has died at 88.
Philbin died of natural causes Friday night, just over a month before his 89th birthday, according to a statement from his family provided by manager Lewis Kay.
NY Post– A Bronx, New York, native, Philbin got his television start as co-host of popular ABC morning show “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee” alongside Kathie Lee Gifford.” After 15 years, Gifford parted ways with the show, but she and the talk icon still remained good friends.
He was then joined by Kelly Ripa, who co-hosted “Live! with Regis and Kelly” with him until he left the show in 2011 after 23 years.
In 2004, Regis and Kelly interviewed Donald Trump, a close friend of Regis, talked about his upcoming marriage to Melania:
In 2008, Donald Trump, a close personal friend of Regis Philbin, appeared with him on LIVE with Regis and Kelly, where he filled in for Kelly Ripa:
Philbin appeared with CNN host Larry King to discuss his relationship with Kelly Ripa, eleven years after departing from the show:
In addition to “Live!” Philbin was the original host of the popular game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” from 1999 to 2002. He also graced the sound stages of “Million Dollar Password,” the first season of “America’s Got Talent” and Rachael Ray’s talk show.
Philbin was survived by his wife of 50 years, Joy Philbin, and four children.
