Celebrities, Friends Pay Tribute To ‘Real Icon’ Regis Philbin
Social media was flooded Saturday with tributes to veteran talk and game show host Regis Philbin, who died on Friday at the age of 88.
Actor William Shatner said on Twitter that he was “saddened” by the news of Philbin’s passing, and comedian Jimmy Kimmel remembered the TV icon as a “great broadcaster, a good friend and a tremendous amount of fun.”
Actor Josh Gad said Philbin had been “a staple in our household growing up.”
“This one hurts,” Gad tweeted.
Saddened to hear about the passing of Regis Philbin. Condolences to his wife Joy. 😞
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 25, 2020
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
This one hurts. A staple in our household growing up, his joy was infectious and his hosting skills among the greatest I’ve ever seen. Whether on “Live” or leading “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” he was always captivating & hilarious. #RIPRegis https://t.co/PoajN1yb3W
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) July 25, 2020
Philbin’s family told People in a statement that the “Live!” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” host had died of “natural causes” on Friday night ― “one month shy of his 89th birthday.”
“His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him ― for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about,” the statement said.
Scroll down to read more tributes to the TV legend:
It is hard to say goodbye to someone whose smile and laugh greeted us so often. Regis Philbin, thank you for bringing a sense of fun and normalcy to our lives. Rest among the heavenly hosts now. https://t.co/vZYfoApAJY
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 25, 2020
Heartbroken. We will miss you regis 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/kB8oag8BFO
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) 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
Sad news. A real gentleman. What a sweet man. So glad I got to hang with the legend himself. #RIPRegis pic.twitter.com/DurvFeEBps
— GreG GrunberG (@greggrunberg) 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
Watching #RegisPhilbin as a kid was so influential. His easy nature, story telling & uproarious sense of humor made me want to be like him. We met in the early 2000’s & told him I’d always wanted to meet him. He smiled, shook my hand & said, “Well now you have.” A class act. ❤️
— Ross Mathews (@helloross) July 25, 2020
If you added up all the minutes, hours, all mornings, nights and FINAL ANSWERS I’m not sure anyone did more TV than Regis Philbin.
And nobody did it better.
All of us who did it after him know when we’re bringing a little Regis to each show.
Aptly named, a King of talk TV.— Tony Reali (@TonyReali) July 25, 2020
We throw this word around too much but Regis Philbin was a legend. He was a true gentleman I’m glad I got to know and a TV host I admired and was honored to follow. Much like Arnold Palmer everybody has a great “Regis” story, I’m grateful I have mine
— Chris Harrison (@chrisbharrison) July 25, 2020
In honor of Regis Philbin, who passed today, my favorite moment from his career: Dropping @nas lyrics alongside Nas, @jasongay, @katienolan and the ol' Crowd Goes Wild crew. #RIP pic.twitter.com/gh34dG1sSM
— Jeff Pearlman (@jeffpearlman) July 25, 2020
We are heart-broken to hear of Regis Philbin’s passing today. Not only a dear friend of Rachael’s, but a dear friend to our entire show. Our deep condolences to his wife Joy, their family, and friends. There was no one like Regis — a true television legend ❤️😢 pic.twitter.com/2sMij5lIdi
— Rachael Ray Show (@RachaelRayShow) July 25, 2020
The young man went from an NBC page, to a messenger, to a parking lot attendant, to a writer, to a late night television host, to a morning television star. One of the most incredible career archs of man. RIP, Regis. pic.twitter.com/lYyjXBG2Qx
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 25, 2020
Regis Philbin brought humor, warmth and wit into so many homes. Many people who never met him feel as though they’ve lost a personal friend and that’s a testament to his character. He will be missed.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) July 25, 2020
Ahhh wow…. Rest In Peace Regis. https://t.co/cth64GeLnX
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) July 25, 2020
Regis Philbin was a beloved part of the WABC-TV family. Right outside our front door at 7 Lincoln Square, you can find this plaque that honors his legendary career. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/fJHJDMbr7s
— Jeff Smith (@JeffSmithABC7) July 25, 2020
WWE is saddened to learn that legendary entertainment figure Regis Philbin has passed away. We extend our condolences to his family, friends and fans. https://t.co/MuNtuOT6oq
— WWE (@WWE) July 25, 2020
I'm so saddened to hear of the passing of Regis Philbin. Regis was one of the sweetest kindest men I've ever worked with. Sending my warmest condolences to his wonderful wife, Joy. pic.twitter.com/MSiq6GNNYO
— Joan Lunden (@JoanLunden) July 25, 2020
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.