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Philbin left 'Live!' in 2001.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Oct 23, 2019
Over the years, Howard Stern has become known as the “King of All Media,” but most of us know him as a shock jock who isn’t afraid to bring up taboo subjects and ignite controversies. He’s made fun of the most sensitive subjects, including the death of Selena, the Columbine school shooting, and has started feuds with celebrities.
But on an October 21st episode of Stern’s Sirius XM show, he may have added fire to flame that had been dying down for almost a decade: an alleged Kelly Ripa/Regis Philbin feud.
To recap, in 1988, Philbin began hosting Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. In 2001, after Gifford left the show, his new co-host was Kelly Ripa. But in 2011, Philbin announced he would be leaving the show. He was eventually replaced by Michael Strahan, and then Ryan Seacrest.
But is there an actual feud between Ripa and Philbin? Stern certainly thinks so. On the episode, he discussed Philbin with Jimmy Kimmel as his guest:
Howard Stern: “Don’t you think they should have Regis on that show once a year, at least? I don’t understand why they don’t.”
Robin Quivers: “Why the abandonment?”
Stern: “Why the abandonment?”
Jimmy Kimmel: “You think he still wants to be on?”
Stern: “Yes, I do. I think he would’ve liked to at least be associated in some way with the show and remind people that he’s the guy who started that whole thing.”
Kimmel: “I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to him about this. I would be curious to see what’s going on.”
Stern: “Why don’t you bring it up on Kelly and Ryan? ...I’m sure that will go over big. Kelly I don’t think likes Regis. That’s the thing. They have a war.”
Kimmel: “I don’t think that’s true.”
Stern: “I think it is true, and I think she would say that it’s true. They don’t talk or anything as far as I know. I thought it was an issue where Kelly felt that she should’ve been told by Regis that he was leaving the show.”
Quivers: “I don’t think Regis left on his own accord.”
Kimmel: “No, Regis didn’t leave on his own accord.”
All three agree that Philbin was basically ousted from the program, on which he also served as a producer. Back in 2011, after departing the show, Philbin revealed why he decided to leave when he appeared on the Mojo in the Morning radio show.
“The contractual issue just never worked out, but I was going to leave before that anyway,” he said. Radio host Spike responded, “That’s a loss on their part because I’ve got to admit, it looks to me like they’re kind of forcing you out and I think it’s a mistake. The audience still loves you. You’re obviously still ready to work, so I don’t know why they wouldn’t want you.”
“Of course it’s a big mistake, but Regis is moving on,” Philbin replied.
In 2017, Philbin went on Larry King Now to talk about the alleged feud between him and his former co-host.
He revealed that the two don’t really keep in touch and added, “Never once did they ask me to go back... [Ripa] got very offended when I left. She thought I was leaving because of her. I was leaving because I was getting older and it wasn’t right for me anymore. I do miss it. There are times when I really miss it, and wish I’d never stopped. But, you know, I just figured it was time to let go.”
So, it appears the former co-hosts don’t speak anymore, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s bad blood between them. Let it go, Howard.
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.