Philbin to Sub for Clark on New Year’s Eve
NEW YORK – Regis Philbin will fill in as host of ABC’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2005” for Dick Clark, who suffered a mild stroke last week, the network announced Monday.
Philbin, co-host of the syndicated “Regis & Kelly,” has made subbing for ailing entertainers something of a specialty, coming to David Letterman’s aid when Letterman underwent heart bypass surgery in 2000 and recovered from an eye infection in 2003.
Clark remains hospitalized following his stroke, spokesman Paul Shefrin said, but is “getting better every day.”
In a statement, Clark said his doctors advised against the New Year’s Eve duties, saying it was too soon.
The 75-year-old Clark has been host of a New Year’s Eve special for 32 years.
Philbin will be joined by singer Ashlee Simpson, who’s hosting the West Coast part of the show. Besides Simpson, performers include Big & Rich, Ciara, Earth, Wind & Fire, Good Charlotte and Billy Idol.
“It’s the greatest `temp job’ in the world,” Philbin said.
Categories