Regis Philbin is joining NBC’s “Today” show as a fourth hour contributor, joining resident wine-guzzlers Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. Philbin will participate once per month, according to the on-air Thursday show announcement.
“Regis brings his legendary charm and humor each time he visits ‘Today,’” said Tammy Filler, co-executive producer of “Today.” “His energy is infectious, and when Regis is around, you never know what will happen.”
Philbin and Gifford hosted “Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee” for 15 years from 1985 to 2000, through which he earned 24 Daytime Emmy nominations, had six wins and took home a Lifetime Achievement Award.
After departing “Live!,” Gifford was replaced with Kelly Ripa, now host of “Live! With Kelly and Michael.” It was revealed in March on Kotb’s radio show that Philbin hasn’t seen or talked to Ripa since he left the program in 2011. Insiders close to the show told TheWrap that Ripa only found out the news of Philbin’s departure an hour or so before he announced it on air.
Beyond his signature show, Philbin has written several books, broke the Guinness World Record for Most Hours on Camera, and hosted hit game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” during its prime.