Regis Philbin’s death at the age of 88 has inspired a wealth of tributes from the legendary host’s famous friends and fans. The 60-year-old television personality died of natural causes just a month after his 89th birthday, his family announced Saturday.
A variety of celebrities, from coworkers and admirers, sent heartwarming messages of respect and love via social media over the weekend.
Talk show icon David Letterman praised Philbin on Twitter.
“Regis is in the same category as Carson,” wrote the former “Late Night” presenter. “Superlative. He was on our show a million times, always the best guest we had, charming, friendly, and could get hit. When he retired, I lost interest in television. I love him.”
Comedian Ellen DeGeneres also had a sweet message to share.
“Regis Philbin spent more time on television than almost anyone else,” DeGeneres wrote Saturday. “And we were all better for it. Sending love to his family and fans.” (Philbin actually holds the Guinness World Record for most hours on television.)
Reese Witherspoon recalled being interviewed by Philbin at his tribute.
“God bless Regis Philbin,” he tweeted. “He always asked the most thoughtful / fun questions and was really just as nice on air as he was on air. My heart goes out to his family and everyone who loved him.”
Ben Stiller addressed his condolences to Philbin’s wife of 50 years, Joy Philbin.
“Send much love to Joy,” wrote Stiller. “I loved Regis Philbin. A television legend. And as enjoyable in life as he was on television. What a career.”
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, who currently co-host the talk show Philbin once directed, paid tribute to the late and great artist on Instagram.
“We are more than sad to know about the loss of Regis Philbin,” the joint statement said. “It was the best class act, bringing his laughter and joy to our homes every day on Live for over 23 years. We were most fortunate to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire every day to fill his shoes at the Program”. “We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope that they can find some comfort in knowing that he left the world in a better place.”
Hoda Kotb posted a photo of Philbin with former TODAY co-host Kathie Lee Gifford on Instagram.
“Heartbroken,” said Hoda. “We will miss you regis. No one like you.”
After Gifford shared his own tribute, his daughter Cassidy Gifford posted an Instagram of Philbin and his father, Frank Gifford, who died in 2015.
“The laughter that I know the two of you are sharing again in heaven is palpable … I love you forever, Reeg,” he wrote.
Jason Alexander, who starred in “Seinfeld,” reflected on Philbin’s legacy in a tweet.
“I really believed that #RegisPhilbin would be with us forever,” he wrote. “He was a funny, funny and charming man. When I had to be with him, he was always a bright light, infinitely interesting and interested in everyone. Sympathy for his loved ones.”
Guy Fieri of Food Network fame remembered Philbin with a sweet and smiling photo.
“#RIP to a TV icon. An amazing host, a better person. Regis will be sorely missed!” he tweeted.
The political sphere is also in mourning for Philbin. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the President shared their condolences.
Trump called Philbin “one of the greats in television history” and added: “He was a fantastic person and my friend. He was telling me to run for president.”
Cuomo tweeted, “New York lost a television legend today. Born and raised in the Bronx, Regis Philbin greeted us for years with our morning and evening coffee after dinner. His humor and enthusiasm moved millions of Americans. “
Tennis champion Chris Evert also honored him, noting how much Philbin enjoyed the sport.
“It is very sad to hear the passing of Regis Philbin,” he wrote. “He and Joy loved his tennis … He lit up a room with his humor and was a stellar human being. My thoughts go out to Joy and her family.”
Philbin will be forever remembered as the co-host of “Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee”, which began in 1988, and later “Live! With Regis and Kelly” when Ripa took over Gifford in 2000. He also hosted the show. of games “Who wants to be a millionaire?” On and off for ten years and has a permanent place in American culture as one of the most iconic television personalities.
