Beloved Television Host Regis Philbin Dies at 88

Regis Philbin died on July 24 at the age of 88, according to People. The legendary television personality was known for hosting “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and  “Live! with Regis and Kelly.”

“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 told People in an exclusive statement.

Philbin openly lived with heart disease and high cholesterol. He told Everyday Health his first “heart health” wake up call was in 1992, when he started experiencing chest pains. The next year, he underwent an angioplasty to clear a narrowed artery in his heart. In 2007, he announced on his own show, “Live! with Regis and Kelly,” that he was getting triple bypass surgery. In the years after retiring from his show, he teamed up the American Academy of Family Physicians and took part in their Take Cholesterol to Heart campaign.

Fans and celebrities have been taking to Twitter to express their condolences and pay tribute to Philbin’s legacy.

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 (@jimmykimmel) July 25, 2020

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 https://t.co/mJyWwT9FJ4

— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) July 25, 2020

RIP REGIS!!! A real icon. Nothing will ever top Regis and @KathieLGifford as a morning show. Nothing!

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) July 25, 2020

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. #RIPREGIS pic.twitter.com/gDrdH4o2aY

— Jillian Barberie (@askjillian) July 25, 2020

Philbin’s also holds the Guinness World Record for Most Hours on U.S. Television.