Regis Retiring? - The Cultute of Pop, DVD, Movie, TV, Pop Culture Review

Regis Retiring?

Posted: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:02:12 PST

LEGENDARY TALK SHOW HOST LEAVING “LIVE” IN SUMMER

“This will be my last year on this show.”-Regis Philbin

By now, you've all heard about the talk show announcement that's rocking the world of television.

After over 40 years in broadcasting, the Reege is hanging it up come summertime..and as one who has been in and knows the in's and out's of broadcasting, I suspected this day was coming for a couple of years. Still, when Regis Philbin made his announcement this morning, it came as somewhat of a shock.

Unlike some TV veterans who should have gotten out gracefully years earlier like Larry King, Regis has remained at the top of his game with an energy and vitality matching the likes of David Letterman and Jimmy Fallon, to name but two of his many admirers in the business. Sure, there have been occasions when Philbin's been befuddled by certain guests making him seem a bit out of place (similar to what Johnny Carson experienced in his later years), but such moments are forgivable given his knack for conversation and storytelling.

Speaking of the latter, it's an amazing ability to keep an audience involved for 20-25 minutes chit-chatting about everything from local weather conditions in New York to his beloved Fighting Irish/Notre Dame.. Rarely have the opening sequences of Live faltered with Regis, Kelly Ripa and Kathie Lee Gifford...and on some off days, they've been the sole reason to watch the show.

Evenings on the town and vacation tales involving wife Joy Philbin, tales of the olden days of show business, shooting the breeze with Kelly about her home life, ever present difficulties with the contestant phone line, the gameness to try anything from dancing in leotards to dressing up like his co-hosts, there's never been a lack of things to talk or laugh about...and it's because of that everyman style and accessibility that's made us bond with him for nearly 30 years, that's why Regis' departure is hitting us hard. It's not unlike a longtime neighbor or friend leaving for another part of town. Oh, they'll come around to visit from time to time, they'll call, they'll shoot you off an e-mail or post on your Facebook wall.. but the standing appointment and daily ritual that often times makes your day, is gone.

All this and the Relly Awards, not to mention the annual Halloween costume shenanigans? Say it ain't so, Reege! (sniffle)

Tomorrow, I give my take on names being thrown into the pot for Philbin's successor...

-J.R.

Jeffrey Rosado is a pop culture historian, writer, performer, and all around nice guy...unless he runs out of orange juice before the weekly trip to the store.

Follow Jeff on Twitter: marquee_man