Entertainment TV Regis Philbin Is Leaving 'Live!' The host, 79, says this year – his 28th on talk show – will be his last By Tim Nudd Tim Nudd Tim Nudd is a former contributing writer at PEOPLE. He left PEOPLE in 2016. People Editorial Guidelines Published on January 18, 2011 09:40AM EST Photo: AP So long, Regis. After 28 years and three different co-hosts, Regis Philbin says this will be his last season on his morning talk show – the program currently known as Live! with Regis and Kelly. “It’s been a long time, it’s been 28 years since I’ve been here. And it was the biggest thrill of my life,” Philbin, who will turn 80 in August, said on the program Tuesday morning. He added jokingly: “Everything must come to an end for certain people on camera, especially certain old people.” Philbin’s program began in 1983 as The Morning Show, a local New York City broadcast which he co-hosted with Cyndy Garvey. Kathie Lee Gifford replaced Garvey in 1985, and the show, renamed Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee, went national in 1988. Gifford left in 2000, and the show became Live with Regis for a season. It was renamed in 2001, when current co-host Kelly Ripa joined full-time. “I think I can only speak for America, and all of us here, when I say it has been a pleasure and a privilege and a dream come true [working with you],” Ripa told Philbin on Tuesday. “And I wish I could do something to change your mind.” Tell us: Who should replace Regis on Live! Close