Legendary TV personality Regis Philbin has passed away at the age of 88. According to TMZ, Philbin passed away after suffering a heart attack this weekend.
The TV icon served in the Navy after graduating from the University of Notre Dame. He got his start in the television industry by working as a page on “The Tonight Show” in the 1950s.
Most fans may remember him as the host of “Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee.” Philbin was a long-time wrestling fan and close friend of Freddie Blassie.
During a time when most of the media looked down on professional wrestling, Philbin would regularly book guests from he World Wrestling Federation to help promote their shows. Names like Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, Yokozuna, Randy Savage, Shawn Michaels, Rick Rude, Mr. Perfect, Bobby Heenan, Lex Luger, Stone Cold Steve Austin and many others appeared on the “Live!” show over the years.
Wrestling fans may also remember that Philbin was brought in as one of the celebrities for WrestleMania 7 where he conducted backstage interviews.
Philbin also hosted “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and the first season of “America’s Got Talent” and he appeared on hundreds of TV shows for guest appearances.
Check out some of the wrestler appearances with Regis below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DcJvzez0Ao
