Regis Philbin Set to Host "This is Your Life" on ABC  11/14/05

REGIS PHILBIN SET TO RETURN TO ABC PRIMETIME AS HOST OF "THIS IS YOUR LIFE"

New Generation of TV's Original "Reality" Show Will Return to Television to Surprise Guests As They Are Honored Through the Remembrances of Family and Friends

One of America's most beloved broadcasters, Regis Philbin, star of "Live with Regis and Kelly" and the primetime edition of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," is set to make his return to ABC's evening hours as the host of "This is Your Life." The announcement was made by ABC Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Specials and Late-Night, Andrea Wong, and Fox Television Studios Executive Vice President, Alternative Development, Holly Jacobs. ABC and Fox Television Studios previously announced that they are bringing the original "reality" show, "This Is Your Life," back to television for a series of specials.

"My network needs me! I'm there," said Philbin. "'This is Your Life' was always one of my favorite shows."

"He's perfect, the only man for the job," said Wong. "The show is a roller coaster of emotions - there's comedy, anticipation, tears of joy - and no one can take an audience on that ride better than Regis."

Jacobs said: "Filling the illustrious shoes of Ralph Edwards was a daunting task. We knew we had to find a broadcaster who was both trustworthy and celebrated - an American icon. There was only one place to turn: Regis Philbin. "

Fox Television Studios President and former Buena Vista Productions President Angela Shapiro-Mathes added: "Having worked closely with Regis in the past, I've seen first-hand just how strongly the audience responds to him. I'm thrilled at the opportunity to have him as the 'face' of 'This is Your Life.'"

Created and hosted by broadcasting pioneer Ralph Edwards, "This Is Your Life" premiered on network television in 1952 and was a broadcast staple for nine years. The show was also successful in syndication. In May 2005, 18 of the most popular episodes were released for the first time on DVD.

The show will be executive-produced by Mindy Moore, Fred Siegel, Jon Vein, Gary Edwards and Barbara Dunn-Leonard.

Source: ABC Press Release