Brian in Mesa

Regis Philbin to Host America's Got Talent
Source: NBC
May 10, 2006

Emmy Award-winning television legend Regis Philbin (Live with Regis & Kelly, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire) has been chosen as host of NBC's America's Got Talent, the new talent competition series from Simon Cowell (American Idol) and FremantleMedia (American Idol) that will premiere with a special two-hour broadcast on Wednesday, June 21 (8-10 p.m. ET).

The regular telecast time of America's Got Talent will be Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET; (30-minute results shows will air on Thursdays beginning July 13, 8:30-9 p.m. ET).

"Regis is one of America's most recognizable and beloved TV personalities. I couldn't be more pleased to have him as the host of 'America's Got Talent' working alongside Simon Cowell and the excellent team of producers," said Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

"For years I've thought about hosting a variety show on television but I could never put it together in my mind," said Philbin. "Finally, here it is and I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

"I am delighted that Regis has agreed to host 'America's Got Talent,'" said Cowell. "Regis is just the best, and I am really looking forward to working with him."

"Not only will Regis bring a wealth of experience and credibility to the show, but he will be the perfect mentor for all the fresh untried talent we hope to find," added executive producer Ken Warwick.

Cowell and FremantleMedia will bring the hottest performers from across the country to TV audiences in this new series that allows viewers to determine who will walk away with a $1 million cash prize. The series features a colorful array of hopeful future stars. Singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique acts of all ages will have a chance to strut and perform in front of a panel of judges who will determine which acts advance to the final rounds. (The judges will be announced at a later date.)

Philbin's vast and varied career in television virtually matches the medium's history. After a career in local news, he first gained national attention as sidekick to host Joey Bishop's late-night The Joey Bishop Show before moving on to become a popular fixture in Los Angeles with his own morning talk show, "AM Los Angeles." Philbin eventually moved the show to New York and also became executive producer where it became a national daily syndicated hit as Live with Regis & Kathie Lee and currently as Live with Regis & Kelly with host Kelly Ripa.

In 1999, Philbin hosted the hottest show on television with Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, an hour-long primetime game show that was telecast several times a week.

Along the way, Philbin endeared himself to American audiences by hosting many specials and holiday events, including New Year's Rockin' Eve 2005, Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade and Christmas in Rockefeller Center, among others. He also is a regular fixture as a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman and NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno, among many other talk shows.

Philbin has guest-starred in such series as Becker, Mad About You, Hope & Faith, Less Than Perfect, Spin City, Caroline in the City and Seinfeld. Among his film credits, Philbin will voice one of the characters in the upcoming Shrek the Third animated feature due in 2007.

Philbin won an Emmy each as host of "Live with Regis" and for Who Wants to Be A Millionaire.

America's Got Talent is produced by Cowell's SYCO TV production company and FremantleMedia. Cowell, Warwick and Cecile Frot-Coutaz (American Idol) are the executive producers. Jason Raff (Three Wishes) is the co-executive producer.