Regis Philbin Leaving 'Live!'

Regis Philbin says he's leaving the show that bears his name.

"This will be my last year on this show," the 79-year-old host said Tuesday morning on "Live! with Regis and Kelly." "It's been a long time, it's been 28 years since I've been here. And it was the biggest thrill of my life to come back to New York, where I grew up as a kid watching TV in the early days, you know, never even dreaming that I would one day have the ability, or whatever it takes, to get in front of the camera and talk to it. ...

"There is a time that everything must come to an end for certain people on camera, especially certain old people," he joked.

Philbin said his exit would occur at the end of the summer or in the fall.

"I think I can only speak for America and all of us here when I say it has been a pleasure and a privilege and a dream come true," co-host Kelly Ripa said. "And I wish I could do something to change your mind."

Watch Regis' announcement below:

Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford launched "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee" in 1988 and appeared together on-air through 2000. Ripa replaced Gifford the following year.

The Disney-ABC Television Group, which distributes the show, said it plans to name a new co-host to join Ripa on "Live!," which will continue after Philbin's retirement.

Comments

[Top Story Weekly]

04:22 AM on 01/26/2011

Check out this video from our comedy show we do in Hollywood every Sunday: Regis has a special offer for those who'll miss him once he retires!

http://www.topstoryweekly.com/2011/01/26/watch-regis-retires-from-top-story-weekly-episode-86-del-boca-vista-here-we-come/

[whooamI]

07:57 PM on 01/24/2011

I've always enjoyed watching Regis. Liked him with Kathy Lee, Kelly is ok, but no one can match Regis. He's just a funny guy and knows his craft. I hope he changes his mind. I'll quit watching when he leaves.

[harriettubman]

09:17 AM on 01/21/2011

I was listening to a radio show about this and the host knew Regis years ago. He said Regis couldn't even find a job before this show; he was already in his 50s by then. What an overnight success he ended up being. At 79 I wonder if he should just cut back like Barb Walters instead of quitting altogether?

[vmurray575]

08:58 AM on 01/21/2011

it"s amazing how many of you specialize in being snyde.

[PuzzledinPeoria]

10:01 PM on 01/20/2011

Regis is funny, Regis is a nice guy, Regis is likable.

And, he has class.

[Muzzle Me]

07:44 PM on 01/20/2011

Notice how when it is asked who will replace Regis, not ONE female name has been mentioned? Interesting.

[JimR]

10:00 AM on 01/21/2011

Kind of like when they were looking for a replacement for Kathie Lee, and not ONE male name was mentioned?

[Muzzle Me]

05:52 PM on 01/21/2011

Touche! However, (you just knew there would be one, right?) ;o) it just seems that a female is not even considered or so it has been reported particularly with this news of Regis retiring.

[jlm11579]

12:06 PM on 01/20/2011

There is a good chance that Regis was forced out.

Its easy to take pot shots at him.......but he is the show......and it won't be an easy or sure transition in replacing him.

[rjaxone]

11:41 PM on 01/19/2011

Good timing. Now, Regis and Larry King can hold each other up while skipping through the park...

[mrbrown6]

11:07 PM on 01/19/2011

Before he goes, he ought to admit he's gay.

[ozebird]

10:59 PM on 01/19/2011

Now that Regis had the sense to step down after a long time in first position
I pray to God that Letterman has sense to do the same! he is loosing it more every month!

[JimR]

10:00 AM on 01/21/2011

"losing," not "loosing"

(No offense. I am determined to get everyone to spell it correctly!)

[CrazyCarl]

10:40 PM on 01/19/2011

We'll miss you, Philbus.

[BocaMom]

03:53 PM on 01/19/2011

You know how things go in threes? With Larry King and Regis retiring, hopefully Katie Couric can join them. She's long past her prime.

[larmar]

11:29 PM on 01/19/2011

She has hot legs

[Coronakid]

02:07 PM on 01/19/2011

This is important because? It looks like hollywood gosip hour has moved to the Huffington post. This article should be moved to the "brain food for the brain dead" category.

[wmholt]

10:09 AM on 01/19/2011

I started out not being a Regis fan. But stamina and a strong will to continue working even after his heart problems gave me new-found respect for him. He has really taken good care of himself, and for that, I admire him.

[life-of-riley]

09:15 AM on 01/19/2011

I think, what's his name?.... oh, what's his name? You know....Bruce Willis' son... oh, what's his name? That's right,.... Ashton..... Ashton Kutcher.

He'd be perfect for day-time television.

[wmholt]

10:06 AM on 01/19/2011

Made me laugh. Thanks!

[larmar]

11:30 PM on 01/19/2011

"I see dead people"