How I Got This Way [Hardcover]

Regis Philbin (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 15, 2011

Sure, he’s an excitable guy.
Sure, he loves to complain.
But Regis Philbin loves life . . . and with the wildly unpredictable one he’s led so far, who wouldn’t? After five decades in show business—and nearly 17,000 unforgettable hours on television—he has a lifetime’s worth of stories to share.

In this entertaining memoir, the irrepressible Reege—consummate talk-show host, man-about-town, loving husband, father, and yes, obsessive sports fan—looks back at his years in show business. How I Got This Way is filled with stories of lessons learned—and elbows rubbed—with extraordinary, and often unsuspecting, teachers: David Letterman; Donald Trump; George Clooney; Howard Stern; Jack Nicholson; legendary Notre Dame coaches Frank Leahy, Ara Parseghian, and Lou Holtz; and, of course, longtime cohosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly “Pippa” Ripa; as well as his own lovely wife, Joy—to name just a few.

Whether he’s revealing what really drove him “bonkers” on the set of Seinfeld, how he survived the first known bomb scare on live TV, what Jack Nicholson said about his beautiful leading ladies during their guys’ night out together, or poignant memories of his last moments with his idol and dear friend, Jack Paar, Regis packs every page with his signature heart, wit, dynamic energy, and gratitude for everything life has brought him.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Essential for all popular collections. (Library Journal )

Others have come and gone, but the breezy Philbin is still here. What you see on TV is what you get in this book. Fans will love it. (Kirkus Reviews )

From the Back Cover

Sure, he’s an excitable guy. Sure, he loves to complain. But Regis Philbin loves life . . . and, with the wildly unpredictable one he’s led so far, who wouldn’t? After five decades in show business—and nearly 17,000 unforgettable hours on television—he has a lifetime’s worth of stories to share.

In this entertaining memoir, the irrepressible Reege—consummate talk-show host, man-about-town, loving husband, father, and yes, obsessive sports fan—looks back at his years in show business. How I Got This Way is filled with stories of lessons learned—and elbows rubbed—with extraordinary, and often unsuspecting, teachers: from David Letterman, Donald Trump, and George Clooney to longtime cohosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly “Pippa” Ripa, as well as his own lovely wife, Joy—to name just a few.

Whether he’s revealing what really drove him “bonkers” on the set of Seinfeld, what Jack Nicholson said about his beautiful leading ladies during their guys’ night out together, or poignant memories of his last moments with his idol and dear friend, Jack Paar, Regis packs every page with his signature heart, wit, dynamic energy, and gratitude for everything life has brought him.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: It Books; First Edition edition (November 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062109758
• ISBN-13: 978-0062109750
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #243,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful insiders look at many notables and a decent man's entertaining life November 20, 2011

By Historken

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

The structure for this book is cleverly focused around 30 individuals who were chronologically pivotal in Regis' life. There appears to be no ghost writer, and it reads as if one were dining out with Mr. Philbin and listening to many of his personal recollections but in more detail than you would ever get from television. The 30 individuals represent a relatively wide range of people and each "story" could be its own short story. Letterman's foreward is a perfectly irreverent snippet of amusement.

For those of you who are Regis fans, I suggest this book is an excellent way to ease yourself away from any withdrawal symptoms! It's fun to read and insightful as well. The chapter devoted to an astrologist was superfluous as anyone could have predicted failure for anyone following the multi-talented Steve Allen. I do now, however, understand why he checks his astrology predictions!

Regis' homage to Dean Martin is touching as he remains an unabashed fan of Dino. Joey Bishop, deservedly, doesn't fare so well though Regis is far kinder to that explosive sourpuss than most anyone else would be considering the way Bishop treated him. You'll also realize what a sweet guy Don Rickles is!

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars How come no chapter on Gellman?? December 1, 2011

By sd2075

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love Regis and miss him on Live....but I think I expected a little more from this book. There was way too much talk about sports, etc. and it was hard to keep track of where he was ie: L.A., San Diego, and what year, etc. I also thought that he would maybe talk a little more about his other children.

I was also suprised that there wasn't a chapter on his long time producer, Micheal Gellman. They have been working together for over 25 years...I think maybe even before they started working on Live (though I could be mistaken about the time line). I think he was only mentioned once and that was when he talked about the staff on Live.

I know that when he did his interview with Katie Couric, she said she had heard he was leaving the show over contract negotiations and he agreed that is exactly why he was leaving...that they didn't want to give him what he felt he deserved....so maybe there are a little bit of hard feelings between the two.

O.k., I realize I'm getting away from reviewing the book, but I must say, the book was him through and through...it was like listening to him at the desk telling his stories. I will say, it was an interesting read and I learned a few things about him I didn't know. Anyone who likes Regis will like this book...I just felt there was a little too much sports and was a little bored in some parts.

19 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars charming look at Regis's life November 18, 2011

By leslie

Format:Kindle Edition

If youve enjoyed listening to Regis's unique perspective and at times impish stories you'll enjoy this look into his life.