“The most talented people will make their work look much easier than it really is.”
—Regis Philbin
How does one define a comic genius? To be a successful talk show host and game show host, actor, singer, and author, requires an innate personality that attracts others and a personality that cares about others. Match that with intelligence and a strong work ethic and what emerges is a success story
This week you will read about Regis Philbin who far outshines his past competitors such as Johnny Carson or Joan Rivers, neither of whom ever made me laugh or feel inclined to listen to them. But Regis…now there is a true communicator who has never been mean-spirited or derogatory. When he would get the big head about his success, his mother would say to him, “Listen, Mr. Big Shot, the Poor House is just around the corner.”
A consummate professional and a true talented man is Regis Philbin. He is funny! He is articulate! He makes me laugh every time I have watched “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee.” He was called, “the hardest working man in show business.” He holds the world record for the most time spent in front of a television camera by Guinness World Record. The total is 15,662 hours.
It is estimated that his net worth from all those years of work is more than $150,000,000.
Wikipedia photo
Regis Francis Xavier Philbin was born August 25, 1931 in the Bronx to Francis and Filomena Philbin. His brother was born March 1, 1951 and died in 2007 of cancer. Regis was graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School and the University of Notre Dame with a sociology degree in 1953. He served in the United States Navy as a supply officer.
He began as a page at The Tonight Show in the 1950s. His first talk show in San Diego had no writing staff so he began each show with the “host chat” that engaged his audience. The show was unsuccessful. He became Joey Bishop’s sidekick, 1967-1969. He was host to A.M. Los Angeles for six years and took No. 1 in the local ratings.
Regis moved his family to New York, still driven to make it on the national stage. And in September 1988 “Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee” was nationally syndicated. Their chemistry was electric and funny and engaging and real. It was reported that he was paid $21 Million a year. Plus he performed in live concerts and was host to game shows including, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire “which won him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host in 2001.
Regis wrote “How I Got This Way” in 2011. I so enjoyed reading the book as his signature heart, wit, dynamic energy, and gratitude shines through every page. His anecdotes about Jack Paar, George Clooney, Bing Crosby, Ronald Reagan, Dean Martin and the rest all provide insight into the lives of the rich and famous whom he knew.
His second marriage to Joy Senese is celebrating 49 years and they have two daughters. He had two children with his first wife. Health concerns along the way included heart surgery, and a hip replacement. Regis retired from the talk show in 2011. He cited his advancing age. He continued to make regular guest appearances on Seinfeld, Rachel Ray, and was host to a revival of “Million Dollar Password.”
There is only one Regis Philbin, just as there was only one Sinatra or Pavarotti. The world stands in gratitude for this one man of extraordinary talents.