Legendary television host Regis Philbin has died at the age of 88.
The beloved star passed away on July 24, his family has confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE.
"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.
We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss."
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Philbin was born on August 25, 1931, in the Bronx, New York.
He first started working in Hollywood back in the 1950s while working on The Tonight Show, under which he served as a page.
Philbin then went on to work in local news for a brief period, before gaining network exposure in the 1960s on The Joey Bishop Show.
Philbin later became synonymous with Live! With Regis And Kathie Lee and later Live! With Regis And Kelly.
He hosted alongside Kelly until 2011, when he was replaced by Michael Strahan.
He also hosted some of the most popular television gameshows in history, including Deal Or No Deal, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and Million Dollar Password, and he presented the first series reality TV show America's Got Talent.
Regis is survived by his wife, Joy, and his four children J. J. Philbin, Daniel Philbin, Joanna Philbin, and Amy Philbin.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this time...
Earlier today, it was revealed that legendary television personality Regis Philbin had died at the age of 88.
The beloved star passed away on July 24, his family has confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE.
"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.
We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss."
[[imagecaption|| Credit: PA Images]]
Now, tributes have poured in on social media, as his friends, colleagues and fans pay tribute to one of the greats.
Kelly Ripa, who spent 10 years by Regis' side on Live! With Regis And Kelly took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute on behalf of her and fellow co-host Ryan Seacrest. She wrote:
"We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin. He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years.
"We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show.
"We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place."
Presenter Jimmy Kimmel also paid respect to his fellow TV host, writing: "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."
And television host Jillian Barberie called her time presenting with Philbin a "highlight of her career", as she tweeted: "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."
Disney chairman Robert Iger also paid his respects, writing: "We are heartbroken to hear that a long time colleague & friend, #regisphilbin passed away at the age of 88. Regis graced us with warmth, humor & a self-deprecating wit, always bringing happiness to us all.
"Our hearts go out to Joy and to his family. Rest In Peace, Regis."
Comedian Bob Saget also spoke about his love for his late friend, writing: "What a loss- The wonderful Regis Philbin. I met him in 1985 when I was on the “Rodney Dangerfield Young Comedians Special” and we loved each other ever since. Such a TV icon and above all, a good man. My sympathies to Joy and all of his children and friends."
And motivational speaker Janine Stange also took to Twitter to highlight Philbin's time in the US Navy: "#RIPRegis - Regis Philbin has passed away at 88. He served in the #USNavy as a supply officer from 1953-1955."
Philbin was born on August 25, 1931 in the Bronx, New York.
He first started working in Hollywood back in the 1950s while working on The Tonight Show, under which he served as a page.
Philbin then went on to work in local news for a brief period, before gaining network exposure in the 1960s on The Joey Bishop Show.
Philbin later became synonymous with Live! With Regis And Kathie Lee and later Live! With Regis And Kelly.
He hosted alongside Kelly until 2011, when he was replaced by Michael Strahan.
He also hosted some of the most popular television gameshows in history, including Deal Or No Deal, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and Million Dollar Password, and he presented the first series reality TV show America's Got Talent.
Regis is survived by his wife, Joy, and his four children J. J. Philbin, Daniel Philbin, Joanna Philbin, and Amy Philbin.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this time...
Jerry Springer has died at the age of 79, TMZ has reported.
Springer was best known as the host of the popular talk show The Jerry Springer Show - a gig he held for 27 years (from 1991 to 2018).
A spokesman for the family, Jene Galvin, revealed that the TV personality was diagnosed with cancer some months ago, and this week, his condition worsened. He ultimately passed away at his home in Chicago.
According to the outlet, Galvin said: "Jerry's ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word.
"He's irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on."
Jerry Springer has died at the age of 79. Credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy
Before his career in television, he worked as a politician and ran an ultimately unsuccessful campaign for US Congress in 1970. He was elected to Cincinnati's City Council in 1971, becoming the city's mayor in 1977, where he served one term.
He would later become a worldwide name with his self-titled show which first hit screens in 1991.
The Jerry Springer Show was known for giving a platform to troubled guests with outrageous stories and an enthusiastic audience that chanted 'Jerry! Jerry!" each and every episode.
Credit: WENN Rights Ltd / Alamy
Tributes have been pouring in on social media for the legendary TV host since news of his sudden passing emerged.
One fan wrote: "If I wasn't watching wrestling back on the 90s I was damn sure watching Jerry Springer. Man I hate to to hear this."
Another person shared a clip of an episode of Springer's iconic syndicated show, writing: "Rest In Peace to one of the GOATS of hosting, Jerry Springer. Many know him from his scripted famous Jerry Springer Show, but before that, he had serious discussions about real-life topics. Legendary episodes like this clip."
A third penned: "Just saw the news that Jerry Springer passed away. So many of us watched when we were home from school. Crazy how time flies… And how crazy those shows would be! Yet then… 'Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.' Until next time, Jerry!"
A forth wrote: "We spent many a night-shift lunchtime watching his show in the cafeteria. Thanks for the entertainment, Jerry Springer! #RIP."
Iconic talk show host Phil Donahue has passed away at the age of 88.
Credit: Steve Granitz / Getty
His family confirmed to TODAY that Donahue died on Sunday night after a prolonged illness, surrounded by loved ones, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas.
Donahue, who hosted The Phil Donahue Show from 1967 to 1996, was a trailblazer in the daytime talk show industry.
Renowned as "the king of daytime talk," he revolutionized the format by introducing audience participation, making his show one of the most influential of its time.
Earlier this year, Donahue was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden. The White House recognized him as a "journalist and television pioneer" who significantly shaped the landscape of daytime television.
Credit: Steve Granitz / Getty
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1935, Donahue graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1957 with a degree in business administration. He began his broadcasting career in various entry-level roles before rising to prominence at Dayton’s WLWD television station in 1967.
Over his storied career, Donahue earned 20 Emmy Awards and a Peabody in 1980. He tackled a wide range of controversial topics, from feminism and civil rights to consumer protection.
His interviews featured a diverse array of guests, including Muhammad Ali, Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, and Farrah Fawcett. Notably, he interviewed Donald Trump in 1987 to promote The Art of the Deal.
One of the most memorable aspects of his show was a radio-style call-in segment, where Donahue would famously ask: "Is the caller there?"
Phil Donahue in 1970. Credit: Cincinnati Museum Center / Getty
His program also produced several iconic television moments, including interviews with Katharine Hepburn and performances by the controversial rap group 2 Live Crew. Donahue's influence paved the way for future talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, and Ellen DeGeneres.
Piers Morgan described him as "one of the true trail-blazing icons of American television," noting that Donahue hosted over 6,000 talk shows and was the first to engage directly with a studio audience.
Donahue and Marlo Thomas celebrated nearly 40 years of marriage with the release of their book, What Makes Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life, in 2020.
After his long-running show ended, Donahue returned briefly to television in 2002 with a program on MSNBC.
In the 1980s, he also co-hosted an innovative television discussion series with Soviet journalist Vladimir Posner during the Cold War. Additionally, Donahue co-directed the 2006 documentary Body of War, which was nominated for an Oscar.
Donahue is survived by his five children—four sons and a daughter—from a previous marriage. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund, according to NBC.
Featured image credit: Cincinnati Museum Center / Getty
Yesterday, it was confirmed that the "Godfather of Reality TV" Jerry Springer had died at the age of 79.
A statement from the TV legend's family, via BBC News, revealed that Springer passed away "peacefully" at his home in Chicago on Thursday (April 27).
A statement from friend and family spokesperson Jene Galvin praised Springer's "ability to connect with people", adding that it was this trait that was "at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street".
"He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart, and humor will live on," Galvin added.
Jerry Springer has died aged 79. Credit: Dan Wooller / Alamy
Springer, of course, was perhaps best known for his talk show, The Jerry Springer Show, which launched in 1991 and ran until 2018.
Despite its controversy, it quickly became a staple of 90s pop culture, thanks to its outlandish guests and wild stories.
As tributes have poured in for Springer, representatives for the star and his family have confirmed the cause of his death.
Galvin revealed to NBC News that Springer died of pancreatic cancer – with his reps also confirming the news to Metro.
Springer was perhaps best known for his wild talk show. Credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy
Galvin has since told TMZ that Springer had been sick for months, and had recently undergone a series of tests.
However, despite their friendship, Galvin says they had only recently found out just how serious Springer's pancreatic cancer diagnosis actually was - with the TV legend only telling his close family and a small circle of friends.
Galvin told TMZ that Springer didn't want to worry other people with the diagnosis, and instead, he chose to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible.
Ever since his passing, more and more stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to Springer.
Piers Morgan tweeted his memories of working with Springer, who he described as a "TV icon and such an intelligent, warm, funny man."
"Loved working with him," Morgan added, "Loved hanging out with him (we lived in same hotel for 2yrs), loved arguing with him (he loved his politics), loved everything about him. Gutting."
And former Jerry Springer Show security guard Steve Wilkos tweeted a heartbreaking statement to his fans, writing: "Other than my father, Jerry was the most influential man in my life. Everything I have today I owe to Jerry. He was the smartest, most generous, kindest person I've ever known. My wife and I are devastated. We will miss him terribly."
Our thoughts go out to Springer's family, friends, and fans at this time.
Springer - who became a household name when he took on the gig of The Jerry Springer Show in the early 90s - died after his condition declined suddenly in recent days.
He was the host of his self-titled syndicated show for 27 years (from 1991 to 2018) and garnered a huge fanbase in that time.
Jene Galvin, a family spokesperson, told TMZ that Springer had been diagnosed with cancer some months before his death. He died at his home in Chicago.
Credit: MediaPunch Inc / Alamy
Per the outlet, Galvin said: "Jerry's ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word.
"He's irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on."
Needless to say, many fans of so-called "trash TV" - which many considered The Jerry Springer Show a part of - have since taken to social media to share their condolences as well as pay tribute to the iconic host in the wake of his passing.
Comedian Loni Love took to her Twitter account to pay tribute to the TV personality, sharing a photo of them together.
She wrote in her tweet: "What I loved about Jerry Springer was the way he connected with people in a unique and authentic manner. This is why as a talk show host he excelled… condolences to his family and fans on his passing."
Upon hearing the sad news, British YouTuber KSI tweeted: "Rip Jerry Springer. You made my off days at school so much more entertaining."
A viewer of the long-running show penned: "Dang, not Jerry Springer. Hope my mom never finds out. I used to play hookie from school just to watch his show. Another Legend gone. When he reads the results and says "You are... And the audience gasps* Epic!"
One fan reminisced about watching the popular but controversial show back in its heyday, writing: "If I wasn't watching wrestling back on the 90s I was damn sure watching Jerry Springer. Man I hate to to hear this."
Another person shared footage of an episode of Springer's show, adding: "Rest In Peace to one of the GOATS of hosting, Jerry Springer. Many know him from his scripted famous Jerry Springer Show, but before that, he had serious discussions about real-life topics. Legendary episodes like this clip."
This person chimed in to say: "Just saw the news that Jerry Springer passed away. So many of us watched when we were home from school. Crazy how time flies… And how crazy those shows would be! Yet then… 'Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.' Until next time, Jerry!"
A final person raved about the veteran TV host, writing: "We spent many a night-shift lunchtime watching his show in the cafeteria. Thanks for the entertainment, Jerry Springer! #RIP."
Featured image credit: Allstar Picture Library Ltd / Alamy
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