Yesterday, shortly after the heartbreaking news broke that Regis Philbin had passed away on July 24, 2020 at 88, I was looking through a box of old stuff and stumbled across a paper I had written in 12th grade English class sometime in late 1992 or the first half of 1993. It was a paper about Regis's morning show with Kathie Lee Gifford, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee. I was a huge fan. One morning when I was 15, I woke up early, turned on the tv and that's what was on. I was an instant fan. They were funny and I loved the live format. I watched everyday, taping it when I couldn't watch. I think my favorite episode was the Halloween episode where Regis and Kathie Lee dressed up as each other. It was hilarious!
I didn't realize I had the paper, but thought it made a fitting tribute to Regis. The paper I wrote is as follows:
The programs on television today come in many varieties. There are comedies, adventures, dramas, fact based shows, and game shows. There also are talk shows. Most talk shows have outrageous topics and guests and all they care about is the ratings. However, there is one exception. This show is Live with Regis and Kathie Lee. It is hosted by Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford and is broadcast from New York City.
Live with Regis and Kathie Lee is refreshing. It's a wholesome show which the entire family can watch because there isn't any sex or violence but is still enjoyable. Regis and Kathie are perfectly matched and have great chemistry. Regis is witty and charming. Kathie Lee is sincere and kind. She's always there to help in a time of need. Recently, she sent clothes and toys to Florida for the hurricane victims. Regis & Kathie constantly tease each other good naturedly, which is fun to watch. Watching the show becomes a part of your daily routine. You also get to know them and they seem just like family.
Regis has a wife named Joy and two daughters, J.J. and Joanna, who both attend college. J.J. goes to Notre Dame which makes Regis proud because that's where he went. Kathie Lee is married to Frank, who's a sportscaster and ex-football player. They have a two year old son named Cody.
Live with Regis and Kathie Lee is syndicated in most of the states. It's different from other talk shows because there isn't a script and they perform in front of viewers live. In the first twenty minutes of the show Regis and Kathie Lee sit and talk about whatever they want, such as what they did the night before or events in the news. You never know what they'll talk about. Regis's favorite topic to talk about is the Notre Dame football team. While Kathie Lee likes to talk about her son. One morning she told how Cody threw lasagna at his aunt. Another time, Regis talked about his experience of having kidney stones. He even brought in the stent, which was in his side, used to vibrate and remove the stones.
After their discussion there is a trivia contest. People send in postcards which are drawn and the people are called. On the air they talk to Regis and Kathie about their daily lives. Then they are asked a question and if correct, they win a prize. Recently, video phones were used during the contest so the hosts and the caller could see each other. This was a unique idea because it has never been done before.
Each day there are a few guests who are interviewed. Some guests have been Liza Minnelli, George Burns, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Tom Selleck, Kirk Douglas, and many others. There are also special segments. These segments include cooking, fashion, new electronic devices, entertainment news, pet care, and plant tips. Stunts are also performed. A few weeks ago the shows producer, Michael Gelman, bungee jumped live.
Live with Regis and Kathie Lee is a refreshing alternative to the other talk shows. It is unique and has appeal. Live with Regis and Kathie Lee is not the best rated talk show and they haven't won any awards. However, awards and ratings are meaningless as long as the viewers are faithful and truly care. No awards can compensate for the viewer's warm feelings towards Regis and Kathie. Oprah and Donahue may have the awards but Live with Regis and Kathie Lee has the originality and family viewing which the others lack.
We will miss you Regis...
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