Kelly Ripa paid tribute to her co-host, Regis Philbin after his death at age 88, calling him «the ultimate class act.» Read more about their relationship.
Getty NOVEMBER 17: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa attend a press conference on Regis’s departure from «LIVE! with Regis and Kelly» at ABC Studios on November 17,2011 in New York City. Kelly Ripa paid tribute to her co-host, Regis Philbin after his death at age 88, calling him “the ultimate class act.” She released a joint statement with Ryan Seacrest, which said, “We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin. He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years. We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show. We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place.” Philbin died Friday, July 24, 2020. Philbin had been suffering from heart disease, although he was in relatively good health since his retirement, TMZ reported. Here’s what you need to know: We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin. He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years. We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show. We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place.