by Erica Michaelson

Created on: August 23, 2009   Last Updated: August 24, 2009

Regis Philbin is an American success story. He was an only child who grew up in The Bronx, New York. He attended the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, and received a degree in sociality. He also served in the Navy. He is named after his fathers alma mater, Regis High School, in Manhattan. At 75, is it time for this popular personality to leave the stage?

Philbin has a dynamic personality, is clever, relevant, and has wide appeal! Loved by both young, old, and in between, he seemingly has that rare character that almost everyone can relate with. Regis Philbin is the kind of guy you live next door to, a guy you would converse with in a bar, and someone whom you genuinely trust. He is like Americas Uncle. In this day and age, that is becoming a rare attribute. He is self deprecating and quick witted, 75 years old or not. Several articles written on the famed talk show host reveal that he may even be older than 75. He has birthdays listed for both 1931 and 1933.

After the Navy, Philbin was hired at a local news station in Las Angeles. He wrote short tongue in cheek reviews for the news cast, before he was hired as a news and sports writer. This led to features, and eventually an anchor position. His first introduction to the country came when he appeared as the side kick on the very popular Joey Bishop show. This was a late night talk show host, and actually a pioneer of the format of late night television shows that are seen to this day like; the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, now Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, and all the many shows which have entertained us for generations.

Regis Philbin was not an overnight success. He paid his dues for years, always working his craft in one capacity or another. In 1983, he hosted a local television talk show in Manhattan. In 1985, Kathy Lee Gifford joined him as co host on the show, and it became very popular in the ratings. The show became syndicated in 1988. Although Gifford has since been replaced by Kelly Rippa, the show continues to consistently enjoy great ratings and high popularity.

Regis Philbin was also responsible for the phenomenal popularity of TV's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Show, in the late 1990's. The show was so popular that it was not only slotted in a prime time slot by ABC, it was broadcast several days per week. This is very unusual for a game show to be on during prime time hours, as they are usually popular day time shows. Regis Philbin was the quintessential host and America watched in the millions.

In this throw away society where older people are often forgotten, it is nice to have someone like Regis around to help us realize that older people are vital, able, and valuable! Should Regis Philbin retire? Not unless he wants to! I don't want to stop watching Americas Favorite Uncle, do you?

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