Regis Philbin pushed the U.S. version of the global phenomenon Who Wants to Be a Millionaire to become the most recognized game show in television history. Nine instant millionaires were produced during the run of the primetime series, which was often viewed by more than 30 million Americans on a given night.

As the face to which millions of Americans wake up every morning, Regis Philbin has become a cultural icon in television broadcasting. The energetic host of the a.m. talker Live with Regis and Kelly took his daytime success to primetime in 1999 with Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Since Philbin first stepped in front of the camera 40 years ago, he has ambitiously tackled talk shows, game shows, the literary world and even the fashion industry. In May 2001, the Daytime Emmy Awards honored him with an Emmy as Outstanding Game Show Host for Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and another Emmy as Outstanding Talk Show Host for his syndicated program, Live with Regis. Recently Philbin received another Emmy nomination for both Outstanding Talk Show Host and Outstanding Talk Show.

Early in his career, Philbin took A.M. Los Angeles from the bottom of the ratings to number one, where the show remained throughout his seven-year tenure. At the national level, he served as Joey Bishop's sidekick on The Joey Bishop Show and helmed The Regis Philbin Show, a daily, 30-minute program that received an Emmy for Outstanding Daytime Variety Series.

Now in its 16th season in national syndication, Live with Regis and Kelly originated in 1983 when Philbin created The Morning Show for WABC in his native Manhattan. It quickly became the No. 1 show in the market. Kathie Lee Gifford joined him in June 1985, and in September 1988 the program debuted in national syndication and the title was changed to Live with Regis & Kathie Lee. In 2001 Philbin was joined by new co-host Kelly Ripa, and the program entered a new era as Live with Regis and Kelly.

Philbin received the 2001 TV Guide Award as Personality of the Year and a Broadcasting & Cable Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also presented with a Crystal Apple Award from New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani for his contributions to the New York television industry. Most recently, Philbin received the Walter Camp "Distinguished American Award" at Yale University and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A native of New York City, Philbin is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and received an honorary doctorate of law degree for his contributions to Notre Dame and South Bend. Regis and his wife, Joy, have two grown daughters, Joanna and Jennifer.