Regis Philbin Set to Receive the Legend Award at the 'TV Land Awards' Taping in New York City 4/11

Beloved Emmy Award-winning television host Regis Philbin ("LIVE! with Regis and Kelly," "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire") will receive the Legend Award at The Ninth Annual "TV Land Awards" in New York City, it was announced today by Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. The star-studded celebration will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Sunday, April 10 and will premiere on TV Land on Sunday, April 17.

The Legend Award is presented to an entertainer or a television show that has stood the test of time and ranks among the most memorable and celebrated in television and movie history. Previous winners include Garry Marshall, Don Rickles, Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner, the cast of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and the cast of "Cheers."

"Hey, it's about time! Only kidding," said Regis Philbin. "I'm delighted to receive this award. Thanks, TV Land."

"Regis Philbin is an adored television icon," said Larry W. Jones. "A native New Yorker, he has given a slice of the city to all of his loyal viewers. TV Land is thrilled to have an opportunity to honor him."

Philbin's remarkable career has spanned over 50 years, first as the host of local shows, followed by a national late-night show, then a stint as sidekick to Joey Bishop on the comedian's late-night talk show beginning in 1967. Philbin's morning show "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" debuted nationally in syndication in September of 1988 and continues to be a hit with co-host Kelly Ripa ("LIVE! with Regis and Kelly"). In 1999, Philbin became the host of another hit, the prime-time game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." He won two Emmy® Awards in 2001, one each as host of "Live" and "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." On January 18, 2011, Regis Philbin announced that after 28 years, he would retire as host of "LIVE! With Regis and Kelly" later this year.
Philbin joins previously announced honorees "The Cosby Show," which will receive the Impact Award at this year's show, and the cast of "Family Ties," which will receive the Fan Favorite Award.

Now in its ninth year, the "TV Land Awards" pays tribute to classic and contemporary luminaries of television, music and movies. The ninety-minute telecast will feature exhilarating musical performances and will reunite some of the most iconic celebrity TV casts.

Previous honorees include Mike Myers, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Garry Marshall, the cast of "Glee," "Desperate Housewives" and the hilarious sitcoms "Cheers," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Bosom Buddies," "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "M*A*S*H*." Past presenters include Academy Award©-winner Halle Berry, Justin Timberlake, Ray Romano, Steve Carell, Billy Crystal, Sharon Stone, Robin Williams and Academy Award©-nominee Robert Downey, Jr., to name a few. Past musical performers include Blondie, Diana Ross, Willie Nelson and Lionel Richie.

Michael Levitt ("Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List," "Ask Oprah's All Stars," "Scream Awards") is executive producer; Glen Weiss is director (The 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards," "BET Awards," "The 64th Annual Tony Awards"); Greg Sills is supervising producer ("VH1 Rock Honors," "The Teen Choice Awards," "Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards") and TV Land's Larry W. Jones and Casey Patterson are executive producers.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski