Iconic television host and Upper West Sider, Regis Philbin, passed away at the age of 88 on July 24.
Philbin’s family sent a statement to several outlets.
“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 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.”
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In a 2001 interview with Architectural Digest, Regis described his former commute as quite treacherous. “I was absolutely going nuts taking cabs from Eighty-second and Park to Ninety-second, where I dropped the kids off at school, heading down Fifth Avenue, across Central Park, then up to Sixty-seventh, the most tortured, congested street in America. It was a nightmare.”
He then recounts his eventual success in persuading Joy to move to the condo, which was mid-construction at the time. “I brought her up to see the view from the new building. We got into this rickety elevator—one side of which was chicken wire—that the construction guys were using, and it scared the hell out of her. She screamed all the way to the fifty-first floor. I said, But, Joy, look at this view! I’ve always wanted a view like this.”
An outpouring of love began shortly after the announcement of Philbin’s passing.
I’m absolutely heartbroken. Regis was an incredible man who could light up any room. He always made me feel special no matter if I saw him in the studio or ran into him on the street. Legend and Icon aren’t strong enough words to describe him. He will never be forgotten!! pic.twitter.com/DXqv0OCjX0
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) July 25, 2020
Regis Philbin was such a prolific talent. He could do it all, and we loved him for it. I will miss him every day. My heartfelt condolences to Joy and his family. pic.twitter.com/SUSyEdReS7
— Larry King (@kingsthings) July 25, 2020
Fair winds and following seas, Mr. Philbin.
We have the watch, Shipmate! @Regis Philbin (LTJG) served honorably in the U.S. Navy as a 310X-Supply Corps Officer, 1953 – 1955 pic.twitter.com/DLiH2hK9av
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) July 25, 2020
Rest n Peace Regis Philbin. A kind, gentle, warm, genuinely funny man. I loved watching you and cherished working with you…?? pic.twitter.com/NNu0OI7II1
— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) July 25, 2020
Regis Philbin and I “recreated” The Battle of the Sexes in 2008 @usopen.
Fortunately, he took it easy on me, & we enjoyed the Open from my box together that night.
He was gracious, kind, & oh so very funny. Our condolences to his wife Joy & his family.
Rest In Peace, Regis. pic.twitter.com/RFVGj4PXER
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) July 25, 2020
Featured images by David Shankbone.
