This Was Television

2004: Regis hits the record books

Through game shows, talk shows, guest appearances, and general gadflying, Regis Philbin has spent more time on TV screens than any other person. This became official at the end of this day’s Live with Regis and Kelly, when Guiness World Records commemorated his then-15,188 hours of airtime. To date, Philbin has logged over 16,000 hours of TV time and counting.

No single personality is within striking distance of eclipsing Philbin anytime soon, though some analysts contend that if you treat the Kardashians as a collective their airtime could challenge the record by year’s end. -A.D.

Today’s Birthdays: Sophie Aldred, erstwhile Companion (50); Connie Chung, newswoman (66); Isaac Hayes, mentoring chef (d. 2008); Demi Lovato, Idolator (20); James Marsters, Blondie Bear (50); Sylvestor McCoy, Seventh Doctor (69); John Noble, fringe scientist (64); Alan Reed, Flintstone voicer (d. 1977); Al Roker, weather watcher (58);