Kelly Ripa recalls co-hosting show with late colleague Regis Philbin, says 'it was not a cakewalk'

Kelly Ripa talked openly about her complicated relationship with the late Regis Francis Xavier Philbin, her former morning show co-host.

Writing about Philbin in her new book:

It was from the year 2001 to 2021 that they co-hosted “Live With Regis and Kelly”. Kelly Ripa told People it was difficult when she wrote about working with Regis Philbin in her new book “Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories”. In 2020, Philbin died at the age of 88 of natural causes.

Kelly Ripa also added that she doesn’t want to feel like “being disrespectful” or “slamming anyone”, but she wants people to know that working with Regis Philbin wasn’t easy.


Kelly Ripa was offered the permanent position following the departure of Kathie Lee Gifford, Philbin’s long-time co-host, and by that time, she had guest co-hosted the show three times.

‘Terrible’ experience before the first show:

Kelly Ripa expressed that she was offered the job with an “ominous” warning. When Kelly Ripa arrived with her hair and makeup team at the show, Kelly saw Philbin saying, “it’s got an entourage”, to their executive producer.

Kelly Ripa recalled feeling “horrible” at the time and thought Regis Philbin was probably trying to be funny, but at the same time, she said it felt like a pile-on.

According to Kelly Ripa, Regis Philbin probably didn’t want a co-host, but the network wanted her to co-host, so Kelly didn’t think it diplomatic to “pass up” the opportunity she was offered.

Kelly Ripa said she greatly respects her late colleague and fondly remembers their interactions away from work.

FAQs:

1. How much is Kelly Ripa paid?
According to a Forbes report, it is $20 million/year.

2. What is Kelly Ripa’s age?
51 years old