Famed talk and game show host Regis Philbin was selected as the Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame “Distinguished American” for 2001.The award, first presented in 2000, honors men and women from outside the Upper Ohio Valley who are friends of the Hall of Fame and who are recognized for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields of endeavor.

Regis has proved a friend of the Hall of Fame since its beginning in 1998. Regis served as emcee for the inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony held in East Liverpool July 5, 1998. He also has given the Hall of Fame frequent mention on his “LIVE with Regis” daytime talk show. Since Regis first stepped in front of the camera more than 50 years ago, he has enjoyed more success on more shows than possibly any other individual on television. In addition to hosting the blockbuster hit series “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” he also is co-host of the top-rated talk show now in its 22nd season in syndication.

A ten-time Emmy nominee (nine as the co-host of “LIVE” and one as the host of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”) Regis was honored by New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani with a Crystal Apple Award for his contributions to the New York Television industry.

Regis also has successfully branched out into non-broadcasting areas. He has written two best-selling memoirs – “I’m Only One Man!” and “Who Wants to Be Me?” He also recently launched a new line of shirts and ties by Phillips-Van Heusen, inspired by his sartorial look on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”

Regis also has a news background, having worked as a news and sports writer at KCOP-TV (Los Angeles), a news reporter for KSON Radio and as a reporter, substitute anchor and sportscaster at Channel 8 in San Diego. He also served as a feature reporter and a permanent anchor at Channel 10 in San Diego.

A native of New York City, Regis is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and received an honorary doctor of laws degree for his contributions to Notre Dame and South Bend. He and his wife, Joy (a frequent “LIVE” co-host and host of her own interior decorating show, “Haven”), live in Manhattan and Connecticut. They have two grown daughters, Joanna and Jennifer.