By Mark Gray
12:09pm PDT, Jul 27, 2020
Regis Philbin, a man beloved by multiple generations and once dubbed "the hardest working man in showbiz," passed away on July 25, his family said in a statement. He was 88. Regis got his start in Hollywood in the '50s, and became a large part of many American's mornings for decades when he cohosted "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee." He also famously hosted "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" from 1999 to 2002. He was an absolute TV icon and even held the Guinness World Record for most hours on camera on United States television. Following the death, Hollywood stars paid tribute to Regis on social media. Click through to see how Regis is being honored.
"REGIS. There will never be another." –Kathie Lee Gifford
"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 Ripa
"One of the greats in the history of television, Regis Philbin has passed on to even greater airwaves, at 88. He was a fantastic person, and my friend. He kept telling me to run for President. Holds the record for "most live television", and he did it well. Regis, we love you….And to Joy, his wonderful wife who he loved so much, my warmest condolences!!!" –Donald Trump
"Regis was a legendary figure in TV. There was no one like him. I used to love watching him. He was always up, always genuine, always real. God bless, Regis. #ripregis #RegisPhilbin" –Maria Shriver
"Very sad that Regis Philbin has passed away. A wonderful man and a great broadcaster. I loved every moment I had with him on and off the stage. My love to Joy and the family." –Billy Crystal
"The end of an era. A great friend and mentor. I will never forget your generosity of spirit sweet Regis. You changed my life and I will never forget the lessons you taught me. You showed me how to fly. May you Rest In Peace with the angels." –Lisa Rinna
"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
"One of the greatest guys in show business is now entertaining the angels as only he can. I loved Regis. His wit was only surpassed by his huge heart. He will be so missed." –Meredith Vieira
"We throw this word around too much but Regis Philbin was a legend. He was a true gentleman I'm glad I got to know and a TV host I admired and was honored to follow. Much like Arnold Palmer everybody has a great "Regis" story, I'm grateful I have mine" –Chris Harrison
"Regis Philbin always made me laugh and I loved being on his show as he made everyone feel so welcome. We will miss him." –Tony Bennett
"Heartbroken. We will miss you regis" –Hoda Kotb
"Saddened to hear about the passing of Regis Philbin. Condolences to his wife Joy." –William Shatner
"Regis Philbin spent more time on television than almost anyone. And we were all better for it. Sending love to his family and his fans." —Ellen DeGeneres
"I got to meet Regis Philbin when I did one of his last shows. He was so incredibly kind and generous. When he heard my mom was backstage he said he had to meet her, which just made her day. He was a giant of a man. Rest in love, Regis." –Olivia Munn
"And then, there was Regis. @regis was and remains a forerunner, a singular talent and probably the most hours of television under a belt in any lifetime. Most importantly he was a loyal, caring and giving human being. I will miss him as much as I loved him." –Rachel Ray
"So sad to hear about the passing of my lovely friend Regis Philbin. You brought joy and happiness to so many. You will be missed" –Paula Abdul
"RIP Regis Philbin. A consummate gentleman and professional. It was always wonderful being in your presence. A class act. Rest well" –Viola Davis
"RIP REGIS!!! A real icon. Nothing will ever top Regis and @KathieLGifford as a morning show. Nothing!" –Billy Eichner
"There's Regis. Then there's the rest of us. He was the gold standard. #ripregis" –Tom Bergeron
"Awwww bless you Regis. RIP" –Dean Cain
"He was a lovely man #RIPRegisPhilbin" –Rosie O'Donnell
"Regis Philbin's passing is the loss of an American treasure and icon. Regis always focused on making everyone around him feel better about who they were and just lit up every room. Robin and I will miss our friend. Joy, we send our heartfelt condolences." –Dr. Phil McGraw
"It is hard to say goodbye to someone whose smile and laugh greeted us so often. Regis Philbin, thank you for bringing a sense of fun and normalcy to our lives. Rest among the heavenly hosts now." –George Takei
"Regis was one of the very FIRST interviews I did to promote HAPPY DAYS in 1975 … Regis was one of a kind .. Sleep well" –Henry Winkler
"Regis was A KING. Make God laugh!" –Jerry O'Connell
"To say this man was a legend is simply not enough. Regis Philbin was American TV! It was a true honor to not only have known him but also to have had the opportunity to work with him. I will never forgot how welcoming and kind he was to everyone. He was the brightest light in the room. Rest In Peace #Regis" –Kelly Osbourne
"This one hurts. A staple in our household growing up, his joy was infectious and his hosting skills among the greatest I've ever seen. Whether on "Live" or leading "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" he was always captivating & hilarious. #RIPRegis" –Josh Gad
"Dang. Saw Regis died just now. Had the chance to meet him a couple of times. Such a nice guy. Extremely warm to me and all my friends . RIP RP." –Bobby Bones
"Regis was a legend. He was an incredibly generous and kind man and I'm beyond saddened to hear of his passing. Rest In Peace my friend, you will be missed." –Emeril Lagasse
"First time I met Regis was in the iconic Rainbow Room. He said, "hey, the new guy! You're going to love it here." We'll miss you, Regis. Still the most iconic page in @nbc history. Rest well, sir." –Craig Melvin
"Another highlight of my career was co-hosting with Regis on Live It was a once in a lifetime moment to sit beside the king of improv tv. He was funny and gracious and warm. Love to Joy and his family." –Jillian Barberie
"My deepest condolences go out to the family & friends of #RegisPhilbin. I had the honor of being on LIVE several times including his final week of episodes… Regis was always awesome & the best. He will be missed" –Bret Michaels
"#Regis Nicest All Time. GOAT TV host; pleasant, curious, sharp, engaging, welcoming, hugely entertaining, amazingly resilient & versatile, enduringly entertaining, wonderful & nonjudgmental, loyal & beloved. RIP Champion host, talker, humanitarian. Condolences Joy Love you both" –Geraldo Rivera
"RIP Regis Philbin. Regis was a wonderful broadcaster to America and mentor to me. We bonded when I joined his show to discuss his cardiac procedure at my hospital. I loved his honesty and humor, even in the face of adversity. His secret talent was getting us all to think about the world around us, while keeping a smile on our face." –Dr. Oz
"Truly the end of an era" –Holly Robinson Peete
"I had the great pleasure of knowing Regis and working with him on a few occasions. Always gracious. Always enthusiastic. Always kind. Thanks for the joy you brought. RIP." –Rob Riggle
"I'm absolutely heartbroken. Regis was an incredible man who could light up any room. He always made me feel special no matter if I saw him in the studio or ran into him on the street. Legend and Icon aren't strong enough words to describe him. He will never be forgotten!!" –Michael Strahan
"Regis was always tremendously supportive of me and my career. He was the definition of benevolent. The ultimate host, funny generous and always present and accounted for. Cheers Regis, to a life fully lived. He was one of the good guys. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP" –Michael Chiklis
"Farewell @regis. Thank you for always being so gracious and kind" –Cyndi Lauper
"I absolutely LOVED Regis Philbin. I knew him to always be interested in everything, current, happy, funny, generous and sweet. As wonderful a man as he was talented… He was up for anything! I will never forget him and miss him very much. RIP Regis" –Pee-wee Herman
"Damn. Awful news. Regis Philbin was a friend and a mentor to me. I will never forget his kindness and support. He truly was a mensch." –Craig Ferguson
"Regis lit up every room he ever entered, and made every person in it feel special. What a gift. What a truly wonderful man. RIP, Regis." –Willie Geist
"RIP Regis Philbin. Nobody did it better" –Mia Farrow
"Regis philbin passing away is so heart breaking that I feel like throwing up. My heart is in my stomach. Sad. Watched him growing up. Rest In Peace" –Bebe Rexha
"Regis gave our satire outfit, The Credibility Gap, a boost on his LA show when we needed it. He was genuinely nice and funny every time I encountered him after that. I'm sorry to see him go." –Michael McKean
"What a terrible shock and loss for all of us over the passing of Regis Philbin. Leba & I had the great pleasure and privilege of being friends with him & Joy for over thirty years." –Neil Sedaka
"Rest In Peace Regis Philbin, a true legend. I'm so thankful that I got the chance to share a few laughs with you." –Taylor Hicks
"Sincerest sympathy to Joy and family from me, Cathy and my family. R. I. P. and love, Regis" –Paul Shaffer
"New York lost a TV legend today. Bronx born and raised, Regis Philbin greeted us for years with our morning coffee and at night after dinner. His humor and enthusiasm touched millions of Americans. My heart goes out to Joy and his loved ones." –Andrew Cuomo
"We are heartbroken to hear that a long time colleague & friend, #regisphilbin passed away at the age of 88. Regis graced us with warmth, humor & a self-deprecating wit, always bringing happiness to us all. Our hearts go out to Joy and to his family. Rest In Peace, Regis." –Robert Iger
"Today the world Mourns the Loss of a Giant. Regis we will miss you , your kind heart and compassion for people. My Thoughts and prayers are with his family/ friends" –Robert Irvine
"So long, Regis. I did "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" with him in 1969. Great guy. What a second, third and fourth act he had!" –Brent Spiner
"RIP Regis. You gave us all so much joy. Loved the few times we worked together." –Nikki Sixx
"What a class act. I once fried Regis potatoes and onions on his show to promote one of our cookbooks. He was also a big, Freddie Blassie fan. #RIPREGIS" –Jim Ross
