Simon Cowell has paid tribute to US TV legend Regis Philbin, praising him for the role he played in launching America’s Got Talent.
It was announced over the weekend that Regis had died at the age of 88, and tributes were paid to him from former co-hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa.
Now, Cowell has spoken on his admiration for Regis, who presented the very first season of AGT in 2006.
‘He was an absolute total gentleman. Off-camera or on-camera, he always made you feel welcome,’ the X Factor mogul told People.
‘When we had the opportunity to work with when we launched AGT, he was a big reason why we managed to get the show off the ground in the first place.’
Cowell continued: ‘The fact that he took a chance on something brand new, I said to him afterward, “I’ll always remember what you did for us.”‘
Regis would present only the first season of America’s Got Talent, where he was replaced by Jerry Springer, who in turn would be replaced by Nick Cannon.
Cannon was then in-turn replaced by Tyra Banks. Actor Terry Crews is the current host.
Regis’ Live! With… co-host, Kathie Lee Gifford also shared today on the last time she saw her old presenting partner.
Kathie told the Today Show that she, Regis and his wife Joy reunited in her native Tennessee.
‘We sat and we laughed, we always just pick up right where we left off. I was with him 15 years,’ she shared. ‘We became dear friends through the years since then, just always getting together every chance we could.
‘We had the best time and after they left I said, “Lord, is that the last time I’m ever going to see my friend?” Because he was failing, I could tell.’
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