The family of famed television host Regis Philbin said Monday that they were “overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we’ve received” since Philbin’s death Friday at age 88. His death was made public on Saturday.
“The Regis family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we have received,” a family spokesman said Monday. “If you would like to honor Regis’ memory, we ask that you make a donation to http://foodbanknyc.org/, to help people in need in their beloved New York, especially in their hometown of The Bronx. Thank you.”
The news comes after Notre Dame confirmed Sunday that it will host the memorial service for its famous student, who promoted the university during his long career. The service will be held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and Philbin will be buried on the Cedar Grove Cemetery campus. A date is pending.
Philbin, after graduating from Notre Dame, began his career in the 1960s as a television presenter in San Diego, eventually becoming a writer and fellow on-air. The Joey Bishop Show. After several talk shows and introductions, he was chosen to be the co-host of Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee alongside Kathie Lee Gifford in 1988. Philbin spent 23 years on the show.
He also served as the original host of the popular game show. Who wants to be a millionaire? from 1999-2002 as well as host of season 1 of America has talent. It was such a regular feature on television that as of September 2011, he had logged 16,746.50 hours during his 50-year career, the most in history according to the Guinness Book of Records.
