Le showbiz hollywoodien perd aujourd’hui un grand trésor national. Le célèbre animateur de télé américain Regis Philbin s’est éteint ce vendredi 24 juillet à la veille de ses 89 ans.
C’est la famille de la personnalité de 88 ans qui a annoncé la triste nouvelle à People ce samedi : « Nous sommes profondément attristés d’apprendre que notre cher Regis Philbin est décédé hier soir de causes naturelles, à un mois de son 89e anniversaire. Sa famille et ses amis sont à jamais reconnaissants du temps qu’ils ont pu passer avec lui – pour sa chaleur, son légendaire sens de l’humour et sa capacité singulière à faire de chaque jour quelque chose qui vaille la peine d’être dit. Nous remercions ses fans et ses admirateurs pour leur incroyable soutien tout au long de ses 60 ans de carrière et nous leur demandons de nous laisser un peu d’intimité alors que nous pleurons sa perte. »
Des années 80 à 2010, Regis Philbin a entre autres marqué bien des vies au cours de son animation à Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee durant 15 ans et Live! With Regis and Kelly durant 10 ans, avant de tirer sa révérence de la populaire émission. Les jeux télévisés Who Wants to Be a Millionaire et Million Dollar Password ainsi que la première saison du concours America’s Got Talent ont pu compter sur son indéniable talent à l’animation.
Nous souhaitons transmettre nos sincères condoléances à ses filles, J.J. Philbin, Joanna Philbin (issues de son union avec sa femme Joy Philbin) et Amy Philbin (issue de son ancien mariage avec Catherine Faylen), ainsi qu’à tous ses proches.
Ce samedi, les hommages abondaient sur les réseaux sociaux après l’annonce de sa mort.
Regis was a great broadcaster, a good friend and a tremendous amount of fun. He leaves behind a beautiful family and a TV legacy that will likely go unmatched. Regis, I hope our friend Rickles met you at the pearly gates with open arms and a slew of the insults you loved so much
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 25, 2020
Saddened to hear about the passing of Regis Philbin. Condolences to his wife Joy. 😞
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 25, 2020
This one hurts. A staple in our household growing up, his joy was infectious and his hosting skills among the greatest I've ever seen. Whether on “Live†or leading “Who Wants to be a Millionaire†he was always captivating & hilarious. #RIPRegis https://t.co/PoajN1yb3W
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) July 25, 2020
Do yourself a favor and YouTube Regis Philbin on Letterman. Some of my favorite interviews.
What a legend. RIP.— Robbie Amell (@RobbieAmell) July 25, 2020
RIP Regis Philbin. He was such a great man who gave us all the greatest moments in television history
Who wants to be a millionaire was one of my favorite TV shows. pic.twitter.com/88lbZLJ3ER
— Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) July 25, 2020
The end of an era. A great friend and mentor. I will never forget your generosity of spirit sweet Regis.
You changed my life and I will never forget the lessons you taught me. You showed me how to fly.
May you Rest In Peace with the angels.#RIP #RegisPhilbin pic.twitter.com/rVOKVAF42v
— lisa rinna (@lisarinna) July 25, 2020
Watching #RegisPhilbin as a kid was so influential. His easy nature, story telling & uproarious sense of humor made me want to be like him. We met in the early 2000's & told him I'd always wanted to meet him. He smiled, shook my hand & said, “Well now you have.†A class act. ❤️
— Ross Mathews (@helloross) July 25, 2020
Regis was a legendary figure in TV. There was no one like him. I used to love watching him. He was always up, always genuine, always real. God bless, Regis. #ripregis #RegisPhilbin https://t.co/mJyWwT9FJ4
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) July 25, 2020
Regis Philbin Dead at 88 | https://t.co/b116EesYIM â¦Trying to hold my phone to tweet…thank the Lord for the time we had with him…he was soooooo supportive of young comedians…especially when we became Talk Show hosts…praying for his family! https://t.co/1p2t4pTTvY
— Sheryl Underwood (@sherylunderwood) July 25, 2020
So sad to hear about the passing of Regis Philbin. A true icon, legend and someone who genuinely lived with love and laughter. R.I.P.
— David Boreanaz (@David_Boreanaz) July 25, 2020
Save it for the show. RIP Regis🙏🏻
— Nick Viall (@viallnicholas28) July 25, 2020
RIP Regis Philbin you were always so great to work with and very very Funny! Great Host! Great Guy!
— Louie Anderson (@LouieAnderson) July 25, 2020
RIP REGIS!!! A real icon. Nothing will ever top Regis and @KathieLGifford as a morning show. Nothing!
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) July 25, 2020
We throw this word around too much but Regis Philbin was a legend. He was a true gentleman I'm glad I got to know and a TV host I admired and was honored to follow. Much like Arnold Palmer everybody has a great “Regis†story, I'm grateful I have mine
— Chris Harrison (@chrisbharrison) July 25, 2020