What Happened to Regis Philbin? Inside TV Career Before Death

Talk show legend Regis Philbin led a tremendous career on television, winning the hearts of millions with several popular series. The Emmy winner’s talent and infectious personality transcended generations even after departing Live with Regis and Kelly.  

Regis, born in 1931, attended the University of Notre Dame where he studied sociology. The New York native served in the U.S. Navy from 1953 until 1955. In a 2006 interview with the Television Academy, Regis explained that his introduction to the world of show business was influenced by his uncle, who was a publicist for the radio show Arthur Godfrey and His Friends.

“I was kind of connected to the business through him, not that I ever told him I wanted to be a part of it, but I was always anxious to hear the stories he could tell me about the family that Godfrey created around him for that radio show,” he said.