Regis Philbin retiring from 'Live! With Regis and Kelly' [Updated]

On Tuesday morning, Regis Philbin announced that he will be retiring from his talk show "Live! With Regis and Kelly." He broke the news at the beginning of the show, noting that the franchise would continue without him. "This will be my last year on this show," he told viewers. "It's been a long time; it's been 28 years since I've been here. And it was the biggest thrill of my life.

"There is a time that everything must come to an end for certain people on camera, especially certain old people," he joked.

[Updated, 9:16 am: Philbin said he will step down around the end of the summer or fall, but he didn't specify a departure date.]

[Updated, 8:07 am: The news marks the end of more than 40 years in television for Philbin. He got his big break as a page for "The Tonight Show" and later played Joey Bishop's sidekick on "The Joey Bishop Show." Over the years, he has won three Emmys, and he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences at the Daytime Emmy Awards in 2008.

He has been hosting “Live!” since it began as a local morning show in New York in 1983. Kathie Lee Gifford joined him in 1985, and the show went national as “Live With Regis & Kathie Lee” three years later. Current co-host Kelly Ripa replaced Gifford in 2001.

On Tuesday, Ripa looked emotional about Philbin's retirement. "I think I can only speak for America and all of us here when I say that it has been a pleasure and a privilege and a dream come true, and I wish I could do something to make you change your mind," she said.

Disney-ABC Domestic Television said in a statement that it will appoint a new co-host for Ripa, who will celebrate 10 years with the show next month.]

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-- Melissa Maerz

Photo: Regis Philbin. Credit: Chris Pizzello / Associated Press

Comments

[Emacee]

Regis was one of the best - and one of the last - great all-around broadcasters. Announcer, side-kick, pitchman, emcee, game show host, sportscaster, newscaster - he did it all and did it well. He is also one of the last to have worked his way up in the medium and to perfect his craft along the way. Now broadcast executives care more about name recognition than talent and experience. An era is ending. Only one more left after Regis goes: The great Vin Scully. Then it's over.

[Perry]

I think that is a really good idea. Hopefully now you can give Kelly more airtime.

[Marlene Stickfort Sioux Falls, SD]

Hi ...This is Marlene from Sioux Falls, SD.....Oh my God Regis, what am I going to do in the morning without watching you & Kelly & having my cup of coffee.....I hope who-ever they choose to take your place is as funny as you are....You will be missed & I wish you the very best on your retirement.....

Enjoy Your Retirement
Marlene

[Maria Hall]

I hate to see Regis leave the show, what is he going to do when he leaves?

We enjoy having breakfast with Regis and Kelly it won't be the same. They are great together. Hope who ever takes his place will be as good as Regis.
Who do you think will be the host? I would like to see Jack Sajack him and Kelly seem to hit it off.

[Me]

Is that your final answer?

[Bill Freeze]

So long to another entertainment Icon....the great Regis Philbin. The show won't be the same without him, but I know he wants to work on his tennis game so that he can dominate the senior tour in New York...

[Ann Skelton from Canada]

It saddens me to see this has to happen. As much as it will not be the same without Regis, it is understandable on his part. I can only imagine how hard it is even for him to come to terms with this decision. But maybe it is best for him to retire so he can move onto something else in his life. Besides Joy has shared him with the world long enough, it is time she gets her husband back so they can do some travelling or whatever it is they have planned.

Best of luck to you Regis. Daytime TV really is gonna miss you. Your humour, sports enthusisium and your crazy ways. May you enjoy every moment of retirement. You deserve it more than anyone I can think of.

All of our love from CANADA

Ann Skelton

[David B.]

Regis is a class act. We don't know him personally, but longtime viewers see him as a guy we'd love to have over for dinner. Hopefully he can do some TV specials or guest appearances on other shows.

[MissClarity]

Oh my gosh. Don't do it. But sense you are , Regis, have a ball and enjoy your life somemore and somemore.

Thank you for the memories.

[Montana Gold-]

A career that has spanned decades. The thing this man has that most TV personalities don't have... is a real sense of humanity and reality when he speaks about his ordeals and how he chuckles.

[Andrew Masset]

Reggie...we'll miss ya'....

[Grandpa]

Whoever they pick, he better have Regis as a first name, or they'll have to change the show's title and credits.

[englishsunset]

Thanks for the memories Regis.

The show may last another year but it will never be the same.

[DRE DAWG]

i've watched the show since i was 5 years old....love that man!

[The Conlons]

Good Luck on your retirement Regis you'll be missesd

[mommers]

I just wanted to say, we will miss you!!!!! I have watch your show for many years. The show has always left laughing. Thank you

[Diogenes]

Todd Palin

[Puciret]

How about Glenn Beck or Larry King??

[Celeste Collins]

Regis has been a staple every morning. I look forward to seeing Regis to start my day. He is the person that anyone can relate to. He will be sorely missed. I know ABC will do what a fine job of finding a new host...however Regis can't be replaced. Thanks for getting my morning started.

[susan dahl]

I will miss Regis for sure, but if they are looking for a replacement, I hope they choose Anderson Cooper, and that he will consider it, I think he and Kelly enjoy each other,and they make it fun !!!