Regis says "farewell", but hopefully not for long.

I showed gadgets on Live! With Regis & Kathie Lee for only 7 years, but Regis was on for more than 28 years! That all ended with his farewell show on Friday, November 19th, 2011. I was really grateful that Michael Gelmen invited me to be in the audience for that final show. Dozens of past producers came back, and it was a teary-eyed show for most everyone. Regis, of course, kept it together, but I think he's eyes were a bit moist during his final goodbye. It was a great event!

On the Red Carpet I met Doctor Ruth. (I was going to ask her if there was anything new in sex, but resisted)

It was a totally invited audience, bringing back many segment producers and 'family' members from past years. I'm at the top of the frame, center. Kathie Lee was in the audience but had to leave half way through the show to go back to her Today Show job.

Regis' wife Joy, Regis, Kelly Ripa, Michael Gelman & Trumps' hair.

The Amazing Kreskin says to Regis: "You look familiar - do I know you from some place?"

Backstage Katie Couric  gives Regis a present - a Hirschfeld rendering of Martin & Lewis. During the taping of their one hour special Regis told Katie how he loved seeing Martin & Lewis in person when he was younger.

Backstage, champagne, cake, and seeing lots of familiar faces. Recognized some of them. Tony Danza, Donald Trump, Judge Judy, Diane Sawyer, Bryant Gumbel, Joy Philban, Robert Iger - CEO of Disney --- lots more.

Alone for a moment backstage - is Regis biting his lip so he won't shed some tears?

 

Working with Regis was fun. He was not a fan of complicated gadgets. Once when I brought one of the first pocket computers (The Atari Portfolio) I said: "Regis, with this device you can upload work at the office -- and then download it to your desktop computer when you got home." Regis looked me straight in the eye - paused - and said: "You know what, Dick? I don't know what the hell you're talking about!" And he was serious. Next time when I was on showing a PDA, I said: "Regis, I have a special one for you!" And I handed him a pad and pencil. Regis said: "Perfect, this I understand!" I'm sure Regis will be on TV in a new venue again soon. At least I hope that's the case.

Mayor Bloomberg presented Regis with a Key To The City. Next time I go to Dick's Gadget Warehouse I have to find my Word Lock and sent it to Regis. If he loses the key, he can still use the lock. Oh wait a minute, he'll never figure out to set it!

Best of Luck, Regis! May all the happiness you spread over the 28+ years come back to you ten fold.