University of Notre Dame: ’53 Notre Dame Graduate Regis Philbin Leaves Enormous Legacy

The University of Notre Dame family lost a revered member in Regis Philbin. The legacy that Philbin leaves behind is a lasting one for all in the Notre Dame family.

The love Regis Philbin felt for the University of Notre Dame was no secret. He broadcasted it to anyone who would listen including the audience of his morning talk show of twenty-eight years. In 2005, following resounding victories over Pittsburgh and Michigan, Philbin issued a challenge to the rest of the Irish schedule including the top-ranked and defending National Champion Southern California. Part of the clip is at the beginning of this highlight video.

This unabashed support for Notre Dame began in the fall of 1949 when he entered as a Freshman – living in Zahm Hall, Room 222. While in South Bend, he witnessed the conclusion of Frank Leahy’s great coaching career. Notre Dame sustained success during Philbin’s undergraduate career. But, he also witnessed his worst football memory during this period.

“First loss I ever saw at Notre Dame. We hadn’t lost a game in four years, and in 1950, Purdue with Dale Samuels at quarterback, beat us in the rain. We couldn’t believe it. Still can’t,” said Philbin in a 2007 College Football preview by the Orlando Sentinel.

Philbin graduated in 1953 with a sociology degree. After serving in the Navy as a supply officer and hustling behind the scenes in radio and television, Philbin began to break through. He is best known for his morning talk show, Live with Regis, which had a few different names based on his co-hosts, Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa. Regis was also the original host of the hit gameshow Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. 

Throughout those years, Philbin supported the Irish on whatever platform he had. The famous CNN talk show host, Larry King, even joined Regis in South Bend for a game after Philbin insisted that King visit the campus on a football Saturday.

Philbin’s backing of Notre Dame did not only come in the form of moral support. It was financial as well. He paid for the Philbin Studio Theatre which sits inside the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. Philbin gave his money and time generously to the South Bend Center for the Homeless.

Notre Dame lost one of its biggest public supporters but gained another angel looking down on the Fighting Irish each Saturday. Regis Philbin will be laid to rest at Notre Dame with funeral services at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.