Regis never can say goodbye

On Friday, Regis Philbin says goodbye to "Live! With Regis & Kelly." Reege has made it clear that he isn't retiring and that we'll soon learn about his next endeavor. In the meantime, here are five things you may not have known about TV's coolest 80-year-old.

Around the time Philbin entered Notre Dame, his parents moved from the Bronx (where he was raised) to a house on 12th Avenue in Mineola. After graduation, Philbin lived there for several years, commuting to Manhattan for his first job, an NBC page.

His most famous game-show gig was "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." But who remembers that he also hosted "Neighbors" (1975-76), on which five neighbors swapped gossip about each other hoping to win big prizes?

Philbin gained national exposure as Joey Bishop's sidekick on the comedian's late-night talk show (1967-69), ABC's failed attempt to dethrone Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show." In July 1968, Philbin walked off the show saying ABC was "out to get him." When he returned a few days later, that night's episode attracted more viewers than did its NBC rival.

"Live!" began as "The Morning Show", which was broadcast only in the New York area. It premiered April 4, 1983; the original hosts were Philbin and Cyndy Garvey.

Philbin is in the "Guinness Book of World Records" as having more on-air, on-camera time than any other TV personality.