LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Regis Philbin said on Tuesday he was retiring from his morning TV show "Live with Regis and Kelly!" after 28 years with the program.
"There is a time that everything must come to an end," Philbin told viewers, in a surprise on-air announcement.
Philbin, 79, said this will be his last year with the show. "We'll have a lot of fun between now and then," he said.
Philbin did not give an exact date for his departure, nor did he say who would replace him.
Philbin has co-hosted "Live!" with Kelly Ripa since 2001, after previously appearing on the show with Kathie Lee Gifford. He also hosted hit gameshow "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" when it debuted in the United States in 1999.
The TV personality is known for his Bronx accent and quick wit. He also starred in the 1972 Woody Allen comedy "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask."
"Live! with Regis and Kelly" is a syndicated show distributed by Disney-ABC Television Group, a division of Walt Disney Co.
