Regis Drops the Ball
As Dick Clark continues his recovery from a mild stroke, Regis Philbin subs in for him tonight on ABC's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2005. The wisecrackin' showbiz vet will stay up late to count down the ball drop from Good Morning America's studio overlooking Manhattan's Times Square. "I'm glad to hear we're inside," cracks Reege, who agreed to interrupt a tropical trip with wife Joy to help out ABC at the last minute.
"We'll do the show," he says, "and then, I'll just fly back to the Caribbean and I'll continue my vacation." Just don't look for Regis and Joy to share a televised New Year's kiss, like Mr. and Mrs. Clark traditionally do. "Joy's decided to stay on down there," he chuckles. "Part of the reason to get out of town is the frigid temperatures. That's a turn off for her, so she's not coming back for me!"
While Clark apparently greenlit Philbin's replacing him, the two old friends haven't conferred about their host swap. "I have not talked to Dick," Reege says. "I've been told Dick is very busy with his recovery. I felt terrible when he couldn't make it this year. I've known Dick for so many years now, both of us being at ABC on a lot of different projects. This is an honor to be asked to pinch hit for Dick on this major show in his career. This show has been on for 32 years, going into its 33rd. I'm so happy to be part of it this year."
Between Rockin' Eve and his recent appearance in The Apprentice's finale, it appears TV's enjoying a Regis resurgence not seen since his Who Wants to be a Millionaire? heyday. When is the popular quizzer's next sweeps special, by the way? "ABC got hot with these new shows Desperate Housewives, Lost and Wife Swap," he says. "I don't think they need Millionaire right now." Clearly, though, they still need Reege.
