In 2006 Regis Philbin opened up in a general interview with the Television Academy Foundation to talk about the ups and downs of his career and the most interesting moments.
The television personality, who died on July 24, 2020, also discussed the issue of how he wanted to be remembered. This is what he had to say.
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Regis Philbin was buried at the University of Notre Dame
Five days after his death, the Philbin family held his private funeral and burial at his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame. The television icon’s funeral took place in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and was buried in the Cedar Grove Cemetery on campus.
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“Regis made millions on the air over the years,” university president Reverend John Jenkins said in a statement, “often sharing a passionate love for his alma mater with viewers.”
“He will be remembered at Notre Dame for his unwavering support for the university and its mission, including the Philbin Studio Theater at our Performing Arts Center.”
Philbin’s producer ‘Live’ offered a tribute to the former star of the show
Michael Gelman was the producer of Live during the Regis and Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa years. He is still executive producer of Living with Kelly and Ryan. Gelman and Philbin, during their years of working together, had a comical and combative relationship. Philbin invariably yelled at the Gelman off the camera side about one thing or another or vice versa.
He wrote on EW in July 2020 that “Regis used to say that he and I had an excellent father / son relationship, but that I was the father. I could not agree more. Even when I was in my early 20s when I started working with him, he was the troublemaker and I was the one trying to keep him out of trouble. ”
“[T]Hey, they broke the mold when they did, ”Gelman continued. “He was the son I never had and an extra father all in one. I will miss him as a friend and I can only hope that he and Dean Martin are together now singing “Pennies From Heaven” while Don Rickles yells from the stands. “
How Philbin wants to be remembered
In his 2006 conversation with the Television Academy Foundation, the father of four was asked how he would like to be remembered. Without missing a beat, Philbin was ready with an answer.
“Well,” he started, “I guess he’s number 1, a nice guy who went out of his way to give you a laugh and make you feel welcome to his show.” A lot of guys really, I have a feeling, I don’t care if they like their show or not. “
“I want people to enjoy what I do and understand what I am doing for their enjoyment. That is all I can ask for.
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