Regis Philbin’s Astonishing Career Earned Him This World Record
Over his sixty-plus year career in television and show business in general, Regis Philbin won Daytime Emmys and received countless accolades for his impressive work.
One honor the late television personality received, however, sealed his place as one of the most hardworking men in show business.
Philbin’s incredible career spans decades
Interestingly, Regis Philbin began his expansive career in the 1950s as a page on The Tonight Show. It was a small hint into what he would be doing for the rest of his career: taking on the role of talker and entertainer, letting others take the spotlight.
Philbin had his own show, The Regis Philbin Show in the 1960s. He served as Joey Bishop’s show partner on The Joey Bishop Show in the mid-1960s, winning national recognition from audiences at that point.
The 1970s saw Philbin’s go from late-night shows to early morning programs, specifically A.M. Los Angeles. After a couple of other not as successful programs came Live With Regis and Kathie Lee, which proved to be the show other morning programs modeled themselves after.
Philbin also hosted a show for the Lifetime cable channel called Lifestyles with Regis Philbin.
In addition to talk shows, Philbin’s lengthy resume also features game shows including hosting duties on Million Dollar Password and the wildly popular Who Wants To Be A Millonaire?, which debuted in 1999.
He was awarded a Guinness World Record for most US hours on television
Not surprisingly, Philbin was awarded a Guinness World Record for “the most hours on US television.”
The Guinness World Records website stated in 2011, the year Philbin retired from Live, “The most hours on US television is 16,746.50 hours by presenter Regis Philbin (USA) whose career spans 52 years as of 15 September 2011.”
According to Guinness, “This is an average of almost one hour a day throughout his 50-year career. Regis Philbin’s career started in San Diego in 1958.”
Philbin’s memorial is in the works
The late entertainer’s family is said to be “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of love and emotion after Philbin’s death.
A family spokesperson said in a statement, “Regis’s family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we’ve received. If you’d like to honor Regis’s memory, we kindly ask that you make a donation to http://foodbanknyc.org/ to help people in need in his beloved New York, especially his home borough of The Bronx. Thank you.”
Although it has not yet been announced when Philbin’s memorial service will be held, a location has been chosen.
His alma mater, Notre Dame University, will be hosting the service at its Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Philbin will be laid to rest on the school’s campus at the Cedar Grove Cemetery.
