Forbes reported that two-thirds of ABC’s operating profit in 2000 was thanks to “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire.” It wasn’t all hyperbole: ABC was suffering in the ratings before the game became a smash success. He later jokingly referred to himself as the man who saved ABC. The "Millionaire" audience responded to Philbin’s warm, comic touch and the quick connection he made with contestants. Philbin hosted special event versions in 20, with ABC reviving the prime-time format in April with Jimmy Kimmel as host. But the prime-time edition flamed out fairly quickly, largely due to overexposure, ending in 2002. "Millionaire" was a TV supernova, spawning a prime-time series with Philbin and a long-running syndicated version hosted by Meredith Vieira, Cedric the Entertainer, Terry Crews and Chris Harrison. Philbin’s trademark question – “Is that your final answer?” – was quoted everywhere. In the middle of his “Live!” reign, Philbin arguably became the biggest name on TV, hosting ABC’s “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” a two-week 1999 game-show event that became a national phenomenon. View Gallery: Regis Philbin: The 'Regis and Kathie Lee' host's career in photos 'The ultimate class act': Kelly Ripa, President Trump, more react to Regis Philbin's death "We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss," the Philbin family said.ĪBC plans a one-hour "20/20" special, "The Morning Maestro," on Tuesday (8 EDT/PDT). 25, 1931, praising "his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about." His family and friends will be "forever grateful" for the time they had with Philbin, who was born in the Bronx on Aug. "We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday," his family wrote. Philbin's family confirmed the news to USA TODAY in a statement sent Saturday by his representative, Lewis Kay. Philbin, embraced by millions for a not-overly-polished familiarity and brisk speaking style that seemed more neighborhood than Hollywood, was a dominant TV force in daytime for more than two decades, co-hosting "Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee" and "Live With Regis and Kelly." He briefly became the king of prime time, too, as host of game-show phenomenon "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire." TV legend Regis Philbin, a household name during his ever-present, six-decade career on the small screen, died Friday of natural causes. Watch Video: Regis Philbin, iconic morning talk-show host, has died at 88
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