In November 2008 I saw “Live with Regis and Kelly” for the first time. That was also the first time I got to meet Regis Philbin. We’d written back and forth several times before then – me as a big fan, he simply as a nice guy. I’ll never forget that first show – he came over to where I saw sitting during a commercial break to say hello and then after the show he invited me and my parents up to his office.
After a brief tour, including a photo with his famous Dean Martin cut-out, Regis sat with me for over an hour – asking me questions and answering mine. He gave me the tie he wore that day on the show and autographed it to me. He posed for pictures and then allowed me to interview him, on camera, for my school TV station. It was one of the most amazing days of my life.
The next time I went to “Live” Regis and Kelly actually interviewed me on the show, another incredible thrill. It was actually my first national TV appearance and a complete surprise and will always be one of the highlights of my career. And again Regis brought me upstairs and gave me the star treatment.
I was lucky enough to go to the show four other times, in person. But I was also on “Live” in Apr. 2010 – the day Regis announced that I had won a N.Y. Emmy. He held up my picture and told the world. Again – amazing.
This past Friday I attended “Live w/Regis and Kelly” for the 6th and final time. It was also the 6th-to-last show that Regis will do, as his 28 year run on the show ends this Friday. And once again, during commercial breaks he came over to chat and after the show we shared memories and best wishes. I know this won’t be the last time we get together (I’m going to need him to autograph my copy of his new book) and I can’t wait to learn where he’s going next (he’s not saying). But today I simply want to say “Thanks”.
Regis has been an idol of mine since I was very young and it’s not often that someone gets to meet their idol and then have them become a good friend. And I want to answer the question I get from people all the time: Yes, he is the same incredibly nice, funny and thoughtful guy in real life as you’ve seen on TV for the past 50+ years – and will continue to see for many more years to come.
Morning television will never be the same.