There is no one in show business that I like or respect more than Regis Philbin... even though he almost gave me a heart attack once.

Booked on the same episode of The Tonight Show in 2003, I was excited about meeting the venerable host - an encounter that would take place earlier than anticipated.

As I sat in my dressing room (with the door wide open) reviewing my notes before the appearance on Leno's couch, I got the feeling that somebody was watching me (sort of like in the Geico commercials). As I looked up,
there was Regis Philbin's head poking through my door frame.

As I saw what first appeared to be the floating head of a talk show legend entering my dressing room, I audibly gasped as Mr. Philbin introduced himself. It turns out he thought my dressing room was his and peaked in to see if the room was occupied.

Regis Philbin could not have been more charming or helpful, particularly with imparting his wisdom and advice to help a young, aspiring broadcaster like myself. Regis Philbin is a national treasure and the gold standard in broadcasting. Truly the nicest celebrity I have ever met.