Prolific TV host Regis Philbin dies at 88

Regis Philbin, the legendary television host, has died at age 88 of natural causes, according to People magazine on Saturday, citing a statement by his family.

The magazine said Philbin died on Friday, one month shy of his 89th birthday.

Known to fans as "Reeg" – Philbin was a fixture on various local and national shows for a half century, winning millions of fans as well as honors as the top U.S. talk and game show host.

In 1988, Philbin began his iconic career as the host of Live!

With Regis and Kathie Lee, alongside Kathie Lee Gifford, who sat beside him for 15 years before leaving the show.

In 2001, Philbin gained a new co-host – former soap opera actress Kelly Ripa.

Philbin left the show in 2011 after being on-air for 23 years.

He also hosted the smash hit - "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" which debuted in 1999 as well as other game shows.

In 2000, Philbin signed a deal making his salary for "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" $20 million dollars a year, the most ever for a game show host.

American comedian and late-night host David Letterman, a long-time friend, called Philbin the funniest man on television.

Guinness World Records listed Philbin as having put in more time on camera than anyone else in the history of U.S. television - about 17,000 hours.

In a statement, Philbin’s family said quote: "His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him – for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about.“