While some viewers will say no one can really replace Regis Philbin, it appears that former Montclair resident and major New York Giants star Micheal Strahan will permanently occupy the co-host chair opposite Kelly Ripa on the ABC morning show when “Live! With Kelly” begins a new season on September 4. Though the network is officially mum, a trusted industry news source broke the story, quickly picked up across other media.
Since retiring from football in 2008, Strahan has worked as an NFL analyst on Fox. He spent 15 seasons as a defensive end for the Giants, eventually racking up more quarterback sacks than any other player. More recently, he’s made headlines for a bitter divorce, as an advocate for marriage equality, and proposing to Eddie Murphy’s ex-wife. Montclair residents however, may remember him most for the controversial over-sized garage renovations to his former home at 99 Lloyd Road.
Strahan, now 40, beat out nearly five dozen other prospective male co-hosts, ranging from little known newscasters to major stars, but Strahan’s gap-toothed smile, easy conversational style and clear chemistry with Ripa apparently put him in the front runner position. Strahan has also appeared in Pizza Hut and Sports Authority commercials, promotes a line of GMEN clothing, and co-starred in the ultra-shortlived Fox 2009 sitcom “Brothers.” The Los Angeles Times has reported that Strahan will continue to appear on Fox’s “NFL Sunday” pregame telecast.
A graduate of Texas Southern University, Strahan played his entire career for the Giants. The six foot, five inch Strahan is usually photographed smiling and proved an affable co-host, able to banter with all kinds of guests, once even doing a brief exotic dance strip routine. Beginning as “Live! With Regis,” the morning show has run for 25 seasons.
In a recent interview on HLN’s Showbiz Tonight, Strahan demurred from the mantle of being a “replacement” for Philbin. “I just look at it as an opportunity to go on TV and tell stories and have fun,” he said, adding, “It blows my mind too. I don’t get it; I’m just riding the wave. But I do think this show fits my personality.”
This year, “Live! With Kelly.” Who knows, next year – when Strahan first becomes eligible – maybe the NFL Hall of Fame?
https://youtu.be/U90GnD0NraI
Is he going to smack her around a little just to add to the merriment and hijinx of the show? Maybe knock her off her chair a few times with a slap acrossthe face when she’s not expecting it? Should make for good watching.
Strahan was “accused” of domestic abuse by his money grubbing wife, who prior to the divorce went and transferred $1.7 million from their joint account into her own account secretly. She also alleged the abuse occurred many years before the actually deciding it was necessary to bring up, something like 1996…don’t jump to stupid statements when you dont know the facts.
Of course, and his current girlfriend no doubt made it up to when she went to the police last year to file a report that he had placed an illegal surveillancwe device on her car to track her. What an unlucky guy to keep coming across these pathological liars!
She did a great job picking Strahan! He has a great personality & has a great sense of humor! Get a life people always have something wrong to say about someone!