Meredith Vieira Says She Will Miss Regis Philbin's 'Kindness' the Most After His Death

Meredith Vieira will never forget her late friend Regis Philbin.

During an appearance on PeopleNow, Vieira, who took over hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire when Philbin moved on in 2002, reflected on her friendship with Philbin, saying she will miss the legendary television host's "kindness" the most.

"Well the obvious that everyone will miss is he was the constant entertainer," Vieira, 66, shared. "He's in a league by himself or with just a handful of folks through the years. He was so good at conversation, so good at listening and such a great listener."

"But what I will miss the most is his kindness," Vieira continued, adding that Philbin "never forgot that he was this kid from the Bronx."

"He never put how grateful he was to be where he was," Vieira explained.

Philbin's incredible career spanned more than five decades and he holds the Guinness World Record for most hours on U.S. television.

In 1988, Philbin began his run as host of Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. After 15 years, Gifford left the ABC show, but the pair remained close after her departure.

Philbin also served as the original host of the widely popular game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? from 1999 to 2002. In addition, the New York City native's hosting credits include Million Dollar Password, the first season of America's Got Talent, as well as a reoccurring co-host seat on Rachael Ray.

His death came just one month before his 89th birthday.

He is survived by his wife Joy Philbin and their daughters Jennifer and Joanna.

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