Regis on the Red Carpet

Moments into ABC’s 30-minute red carpet special Sunday, pushing back the start to the Oscars to 8:30 p.m. for the first time, host Regis Philbin made it a point to explain the first time he covered the red carpet, saying he originated coverage in 1979.

So here he was like clockwork, 30 years later, helming the coverage with flitty nonentities Samantha Harris (from "Dancing with the Stars") and Shaun Robinson (of "Access Hollywood").

None had much time to ask stars many questions. They didn’t seem to listen to answers when they got them.

And Philbin had the idea to get a lot of the peripheral people involved, too, from the dancers for a musical performance, whom he technically yelled at but did not interview), to the music director Bill Conti, to the oldest bleacher fan, one Sarah Golden.

At age 86, she was only 10 years older than Philbin. Philbin was only four years younger than the Academy Awards themselves.

Now Philbin interviews celebrities every day on his morning show, but he didn’t have much to ask those he encountered.

To George Clooney, he reminisced about the dinner they had after the "Michael Clayton" premiere.
Then Clooney suddenly changed the subject, saying, "How did Notre Dame do today?"

"What’d you say?" said the host. "You mean the basketball team?"

One thing about doing the red carpet show at this age is that he can’t climb down into the audience for many of those awkward in-seat interview. He only grasped the hand of Javier Bardem and Jack Nicholson before the show was all over.

Comments

[Deborah Diaz]

So, Mr. Catlin, in your perspective, Regis Philbin's age seemed to be your priority.

Mr. Philbin did not ask the usual questions, the typical questions, nor the not-suprising questions.

That is the endearing nature of Regis. Did you notice the comfortable smiles on the celebrities faces, the hand grasping they did, the personal memories they spoke about with Regis? Why? Because he is a fine, respected gentlement that dares to go out of the typical Hollywood-box.

That Mr. Catlin is because Regis IS unique, he IS loved, and he is
aged and TIMELESS and respected; despite your age prejudice. That Mr. Catlin is why Regis was on the Red Carpet and not behind that scenes as - oh, could it be you?

May you grow old with the love, respect and dignity that Mr. Philbin has been graced with.

[Ann]

Regis will always be welcome at any awards ceremony. Thank the Lord Kelly Rippa was home with the babies.