Thanks for the memories, Regis
There really was no easy way to wrap 28 (and a half) years of a legendary run for one of talk TV's legendary figures but "Live! With Regis and Kelly" did that Friday in a way that seemed particularly well matched to he who has been so lavishly celebrated these past few days.
Not too heavy. Not too light. Just right.
As a result, this last Regis Philbin moment managed to actually feel sincere -- and sincerity is not always a given in show business. By contrast, Oprah Winfrey's last weeks had been preceded by months, even a year, of pitched celebration. There was no obviously graceful way to make an exit because the run-up had been so indulgent. By contrast, Philbin said just a few words at the end, and that was it -- thanks for the memory, kids, now I've gotta go. Phew: It was glorious in its brevity, and so devoid of any sort of maudlin, tearful "I LOVE YOU ALL" flourish that Reege went up even higher in my estimation -- already high to begin with.
Best about this was that there were no blaring headlines, no incredible super-duper surprise guest who would have completely smothered the emotional resonance. Reege got Mayor Bloomberg. He got the key to the city. He got a smile and a handshake from Disney chief Bob Iger. He got the obligatory viewer collage to the track of Uncle Kracker's "You Make Me Smile." He even got the plaque on the building he's walked through all these years.
Kelly Ripa read a letter recalling her first day, when she was "absolutely filled with fear, and you pulled me aside when I walked out" -- as the audience applauded -- "and said, you see that sweetie, that's all for you."
Nice. But then what else would you expect of the King?
There were funny moments -- characteristically funny moments, that felt as natural as Philbin's splendidly effortless act. Surveying the studio audience, he quipped, "Tony Danza's the biggest name here."
Philbin never pretended his show was anything more or less than a genial, good-humored and often funny way for someone at home to begin their day. He did make people feel better -- no inconsiderable feat.
