Regis Philbin Dies at 88: Hoda Kotb, Jimmy Kimmel and More Honor the Beloved TV Host

Karen Mizoguchi
·9 min read
Regis Philbin Dies at 88: Hoda Kotb, Jimmy Kimmel and More Honor the Beloved TV Host

Celebrities and fans are paying tribute to Regis Philbin after his death at 88.

The longtime television host died on July 24. "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 with PEOPLE in an exclusive statement on Saturday.

"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 and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss," the Philbin family said.

RELATED: Kelly Ripa Pays Tribute to Regis Philbin After His Death: 'He Was the Ultimate Class Act'

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One of the good ones is gone.

A post shared by Alec Baldwin (@alecbaldwininsta) on Jul 25, 2020 at 3:15pm PDT

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What a huge loss- The wonderful, funny and loving Regis Philbin. I met him in 1985 when I was on the “Rodney Dangerfield Young Comedians Special.” At that time he had not started his national mega-hit morning show and intro’d Rodney at the start of the HBO special. He was so kind to me and I loved him ever since. In 1987 I got a job on the short lived “CBS Morning Program,” where, on the air out of nowhere, he slapped me in the face Rickles’-style and he yelled “Shut up Saget! You’ve got a full career ahead of you, now just shut up!” Then he put his hand on my knee. Can’t write that now without people calling it out as wrong. It was all out of love. And support. He was a sweet loving guy. That’s why Don Rickles loved him so— as well as David Letterman— as well as everyone who ever came in contact with him. I’d always look forward to appearing on his show with Kathy Lee for many years for many appearances— thanks to him. He was so gracious and so much fun to be with on the TV. A week before quarantine, my wife Kelly and I ran into Regis and beautiful Joy at The Palm in Beverly Hills. He wanted to go to lunch with me and I was going to call him the following week and set it up. We kissed goodbye... and that was the last time I saw him. I guess the punchline- that I know would make him laugh- would be, “Whatever you do, don’t schedule lunch with Saget.” Such a TV Icon host, as well as an actor and singer, and above all... A good man. My deepest sympathies to Joy and his children and friends. Rest In Peace Dear Regis.

A post shared by Bob (@bobsaget) on Jul 25, 2020 at 2:10pm PDT

RELATED: Regis Philbin, Legendary Television Host, Dies at 88

In loving tribute to Philbin, numerous celebrities who had known and worked with him over the years went on to mourn the television legend's death.

"Heartbroken," wrote Today's Hoda Kotb, who shared her tribute alongside a photo of Kathie Lee Gifford, whom they both worked alongside for many years. "We will miss you regis. Nobody like you ??."

Richard Cartwright/ABC via Getty Images

"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," late night television host Jimmy Kimmel wrote. "Regis, I hope our friend [Don] Rickles met you at the pearly gates with open arms and a slew of the insults you loved so much."

In her own tribute, Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi reflected on a special moment she was able to share with Philbin before he left Live! in 2011.

"NO! So sad to hear that iconic Regis passed away. He was always the kindest & sweetest soul when I had interviews with him. Never judged, just always had a fun time with us," she wrote, alongside a photograph of the pair embracing. "Before he retired, i got him to take his shirt off and fist pump in my last interview with him ?? Rest In Peace Regis! You will truly be missed!"

RELATED: Remembering Regis Philbin's Life and Career in Photos

"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," actor Josh Gad tweeted.

In 1988, Philbin began his iconic career as the host of Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee alongside Gifford. After 15 years, Gifford left the ABC show but the pair remained close after her departure.

In 2001, the franchise became Live! with Regis and Kelly, co-starring Kelly Ripa before he left in 2011 after 23 years on-air. (He was replaced by former football player Michael Strahan, who later departed for Good Morning America and was replaced by Ryan Seacrest in 2017.)

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