Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. Gifford is also known for her 11-year run with Hoda Kotb, on the fourth hour of NBC's Today show (20082019). Kathie Lee Gifford, born Kathryn Lee Epstein in Paris, France, is the daughter of Joan (ne Cuttell; born January 20, 1930), a singer, and Aaron Epstein (March 19, 1924 November 19, 2002), a musician and former U.S. Navy officer. The Today show anchor, 64, took to Twitter Tuesday to share that her mother had passed away. I was so closely associated with the show and so closely branded with it that it was extremely wise for them to distance themselves from me in order to give Kelly a chance to make an impact which shes done beautifully, Gifford says. "It was as natural as taking my next breath and my precious husband didn't hesitate either. She is Evangelical Christianity by religion. I wanted my daddy to be able to die with the dignity in which he had lived his life.. On June 24, 1985, Gifford replaced Ann Abernathy as co-host of The Morning Show on WABC-TV with Regis Philbin. By then, Anita had secured her a full scholarship at the Evangelical Oral Roberts University, Tusla, majoring in drama and music. He was content to sit in the back row and let others have the accolades and glory.". Kathie Lee Gifford shared her religious faith during the coronavirus pandemic. It was an emotional journey, but one she felt privileged to be on for the seven months she spent living with her parents. American actress, talk show host, and singer, "Kathie Lee" redirects here. Kathie Lee Gifford remembers her father for his selfless acts of kindness and important lessons. Browse 15,653 kathie lee gifford stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. (1994), Kathie Lee GiffordLooking for Christmas (1994), Regis and Kathie Lee: Mom's Dream Come True (1995), Kathie Lee's Rock n' Tots Cafe: Kathie Lee's Big Surprise (1996), The Line King: The Al Hirschfeld Story (1996), Kathie Lee Gifford: We Need a Little Christmas (1996), Kathie Lee Gifford: Just in Time for Christmas (1996), Oops! In the meantime, Philbin, now co-host of The Morning Show on WABC-TV in New York, was actively looking for a new partner. January 20, 1930. The 57-year-old was soon tagged Kathie Lee Gifford's boyfriend. Gifford grew up in Bowie, Maryland, and attended Bowie High School. Kathie Lee and her two siblings, David and Michelle, grew up in France and a number of other different European nations the place their father was stationed. In addition to leading services, he hosts a radio program, Tell It from Calvary , that airs six days a week. : Allison Spencer (2001, 1 episode), The Drew Carey Show: Vanessa Bobeck (2001, 1 episode), Higglytown Heroes: Mail Carrier (2004-2005, 2 episodes), That's So Raven: Claire (2005, 1 episode), Handy Manny: Mrs. Hillary (2006, 1 episode), Adventures of Serial Buddies (2011, Movie), Hot in Cleveland: Christal (2011, 1 episode), Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! The Epsteins. As of 2018, Kathie Lee Gifford's age is sixty-five, (65) years old. Photo credit: Getty Images. [31], Gifford is a celebrity ambassador for the non-profit organization Childhelp. These shelters were named in honor of her children, Cody and Cassidy. In addition to the scholarship, she was also given a place in Robert's World Action Singers, availing her the opportunity to showcase her talent on the Oral Roberts' TV show, until she quit the university during her junior year. Gifford intends to make movies about the experiences of losing a loved one and being a widow, which she considers an underrepresented topic in Hollywood. Initially, like many others, Epstein was diagnosed with Alzheimers, until doctors later realized that Epstein was actually fighting Lewy Body Disease. In 2000 she released the album The Heart of a Woman on Universal. Kathryn Lee Gifford was born on 16 August 1953 in Paris, France. Showing Editorial results for kathie lee gifford. That's her life," Kathie Lee said. In 1990, on March 22, Cody was born. TODAY Aaron Epstein died on November 19, 2002 at age 78 of Lewy Body Dementia, a disease that affects roughly 1.4 million people in the U.S.,. Frank Gifford and Kathie Lee Gifford attend the Westport Country Playhouse benefit dinner at The Hyatt Regency on October 14, 2004 | Photo: GettyImages. Kathryn Lee Epstein. Make sure to do something special for your father this weekend and honor the man that has helped you become the person you are today. While visiting a friend on the set of the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives, she was hired to play Nurse Callahan, which she did for nine months. Kathie Lee Gifford attends Citymeals' 32nd power lunch for women at The Rainbow Room on November 14, 2018, in New York City. My precious mother, JOANNIE went home to JESUS & my DADDY this morning. The two siblings of Gifford go by the names of David and Michelle. She realized that the couple's loveless marriage was merely a front for their careers and that their family life lay in shambles. Kathie's husband Frank Gifford died in 2015 at the age of 84. Gifford has made guest appearances in films and television series, and has several independently released albums on CD, including 2000's The Heart of a Woman, featuring the single "Love Never Fails".[16][17]. In the late 1990s, Gifford began working in musical theatre. Years later, Gifford said one of the reasons she decided to leave Live was because her father was terminally ill. Aaron Epstein died on November 19, 2002. Gifford's paternal grandfather was of Russian Jewish descent and her paternal grandmother was of Native American ancestry. Kathie Lee Gifford (born Kathryn Lee Epstein in Paris, France on August 16, 1953) is an American TV host, singer, songwriter, comedian, and actress. There are special elements of his personality that had also stuck with Gifford as well. Born Joan Cuttell, which contributed to her high school nickname Cuddles, she shared many lessons with her daughter, among them acting like a proper lady. Gifford quickly became America's television sweetheart. She also appeared in television advertisements for Carnival Cruise Lines beginning in 1984. Kathie Lee Johnson. Is Jennifer Lawrence pregnant? The name of her birth is Katharine Lee Epstein. Just as critical was her moms encouragement when it came to following her dreams. Susan Winston, an executive producer of Good Morning America (GMA) happened to be listening and was immediately drawn to Gifford's talent and freshness. Ready for a break from the stiffly scripted news program and inspired by the new wave of "reality" shows such as Geraldo! [28], In 2008, Gifford and David Friedman wrote a junior high school musical entitled Key Pin It Real. : Jackie Lee (1999, 1 episode: Voice), The Famous Jett Jackson (1999, 1 episode), The Wonderful World of Disney: Dierdre (2000, 1 episode: Voice), Touched by an Angel: Wendy/Jolene (1996-2000, 2 episodes), The Amanda Show: Princess Whiff (2001, 1 episode), Spinning Out of Control: Amanda Berkley (2001, TV Movie), Just Shoot Me! Wanting no part of the hypocrisy, Gifford opted to leave. All Rights Reserved. [29] The play depicts a coming-of-age story about a young girl named Key Pin. Aaron Leon Epstein Joan Epstein (Cuttell) Trivia (30) Studied drama and music at Oral Roberts . [25] The show, retitled as Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson, ran on Broadway from November 15, 2012, through December 9, 2012,[26] with Carmello reprising her role as McPherson. Following her rise to fame, Gifford served as the spokeswoman for the Home Furnishings Council, Carnival Cruise Lines, Ultra Slim-Fast and Revlon. Daughter of Aaron Leon Epstein and Joan L. Epstein [23][24] The premiere starred actress Carolee Carmello in the lead role. Television presenter, singer, and songwriter, Kathie Lee Gifford has been open about her take on religion, as well as the commitment to her faith. She previously co-hosted the show Live! At the time of Kathie's birth, her father was stationed in France. During a summer in the early 1970s, she was a live in secretary/babysitter for Anita Bryant at her home in Miami. There she spent a few weeks scribbling down her spiritual thoughts, which she eventually published as The Quiet Riot in 1976. But in her junior year, she did leave the university. In 1970, Gifford represented Maryland in America's Junior Miss Pageant. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a116f7658839091 Kathryn Lee Gifford Epstein was born on August 16, 1953 (age 68 years) in Paris, France. I left home when I was 17 years old to pursue my career, and [my parents] were all for it, Kathie Lee said last year. During high school, Gifford was a singer in a folk group, "Pennsylvania Next Right," which performed frequently at school assemblies. She was also the face of Carnival Cruises in the late 1980s and early 1990s, singing "If my friends could see me now! She has received 11 Daytime Emmy nominations and won her first Daytime Emmy in 2010 as part of the Today team. She and her friends and family competed against the cast of Dog The Bounty Hunter for their favorite charity. She lived in Bowie, Maryland after her birth. But let's not forget his undying love for pork and sauerkraut, either! Throughout the 1990s, millions of morning-TV viewers watched her descriptions of life at home with her sportscaster husband and their two children: son Cody Newton Gifford (born in 1990) and Cassidy Erin Gifford (born in 1993). Photo: @Randy Cronk. In 1996, the National Labor Committee reported that child laborers in Honduras were producing Kathie Lee's clothing line for Walmart. With unstable jobs, declining income, and of course the concern of health, it feels like a lot was put on the line. She contributed a number of musical numbers to Hats, and wrote and produced Under The Bridge, based upon the children's book The Family Under The Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson. Gifford addressed Kernaghan's allegations on the air during Live, explaining that she was not involved with hands-on project management in factories. "Today" anchor Kathie Lee Gifford paid tribute to her "precious mother" after she died at age 87 on Sept. 12. . On February 29, 2000, Gifford announced that she would leave Live With Regis & Kathie Lee, then the nation's fourth-highest-rated syndicated talk show, when her contract expired in July. The morning host's father, Aaron Epstein, had died in 2002. She also occasionally appeared on the first three hours of Today and was a contributing NBC News correspondent. This marked her return to morning television; in many markets, she aired directly after her old show, currently called Live with Kelly and Ryan. Joan and Aaron Epstein gave birth to her in Paris, France. She is best known for co-hosting Live! This talented Talk show host born on 16 th August 1953 in Paris, France. Epstein, 78, died in 2002, two years after Gifford left the show. The siblings often joked about the way their mother mixed up her sayings. After their divorce in 1982, she married sportscaster and former NFL player Frank Gifford in 1986. We praise God for His promise of eternal life & we thank God for her. The 66-year-old admitted that the move from her decades-long home in Greenwich was made because she was dying of loneliness. The duo was first spotted together at an outdoor concert in Franklin, as they danced affectionately to the music, and later shared a kiss. The Epsteins raised their family just outside the nations capital in the Maryland suburb of Bowie. They had two children together, Cody Newton Gifford (born March 22, 1990) and Cassidy Erin Gifford (born August 2, 1993). She was invited to Good Morning America when a producer heard her host an A.M. radio show. She is also famous from other names as Kathie, Kathie Me. Press Esc to cancel. Kathie Lee - who next month will return to " Live With Regis & Kelly " as a guest for the first time since she left seven. In 1978, she joined the cast of the short-lived Hee Haw spinoff, Hee Haw Honeys. On April 16, 2007, Gifford was a guest presenter at the Washington, DC Helen Hayes Award Ceremony, honoring contributions and professional accomplishments in theatre. with Regis and Kathie Lee.Gifford is also known for her 11-year run with Hoda Kotb, on the fourth hour of NBC's Today show (2008-2019). The ads were the first cruise line ads to air on network television. Frank had appeared now and then as a host with Kathie Lee on both Live and Today. In 1976, the songstress tied the knots with her then-bible study leader, Paul Johnson, divorcing after six years together. She joined Regis Philbin. If she's good, she will help us. Kathie Lee Gifford 's mother, Joan Epstein, has died. She was born on August 16, 1953 at Paris, France. She has many vibrant memories of her father, most of which were his outlook on life and the valuable lessons she's learned. Aaron Epstein, who died in 2002. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. [34] Kernaghan reported that a worker in Honduras smuggled a piece of clothing out of the factory, which had a Kathie Lee label on it. Kathie Lee's daughter Cassidy posted a tribute on Instagram to her late grandmother. Philbin and Gifford were jointly nominated eight consecutive years in a row (1993 to 2000) for Outstanding Talk Show Host during the Daytime Emmy Awards. She was born in 1953 in Paris, France. After seeing the Billy Graham-produced film, The Restless Ones at age 12, Gifford became a born-again Christian. Its Christmas Time 1993 Warner Bros. Records. Chris DElia children: Does Chris DElia have children? She is American by nationality and belongs to the French ethnicity. Despite her steadfast devotion to the things of God, the 66-year-old has an aversion to being categorized under the umbrella of "religion. While her fans loved her candor and intimacy, her critics labeled her personal musings as annoyingly self-righteous. During one summer in the early 1970s, she was a live-in secretary/babysitter for Anita Bryant at her home in Miami. Although Kathie was born in Paris due to. Returning to work the next day, Gifford began the 10 a.m. hour of Wednesday's "Today" show by. Throughout the 1990s, morning-TV viewers watched her descriptions of life at home with her sportscaster husband Frank, son Cody, and daughter Cassidy. KATHIE GIFFORD'S LIFE The former "Today" co-host, born in 1953 in Paris, France, to parents, Joan Cuttell and Aaron Epstein adopted a Christian way of life right from her childhood, despite growing up with a Jewish background. We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right,contact us! Her book regarding the Christian faith, The Jesus I Know: Honest Conversations and Diverse Opinions about Who He Is was released in 2021. She has hosted part of the show Today since 2008, along with Hoda Kotb. With Regis and Kathie Lee, which she hosted for 15 years alongside the well-regarded Regis Philbin. Gifford's family won the $50,000 for The Association to Benefit Children. He and his wife later became proprietors of a resort hotel. Following her divorce from Johnson in 1983, Gifford met sports commentator Frank Gifford (born August 16, 1930) during an episode of ABC's Good Morning America; the couple married in 1986. We call them Joniisms. The former "Today" co-host, born in 1953 in Paris, France, to parents, Joan Cuttell and Aaron Epstein adopted a Christian way of life right from her childhood, despite growing up with a Jewish background. Her reputation had been, in part, built around her image as the woman who had it all: a highly successful career and a devoted family. Kathie Lee Gifford won over TV audiences with her on-screen chemistry with co-anchor Regis Philbin on 'The Morning Show.' Her parents were Joan Cuttell (mother) and Aaron Epstein (father). However, contrary to the music star's revelation, several outlets have linked the 66-year-old with a younger man, Randy Cronk, a 57-year-old insurance agent. After 11 years on the show, Gifford reportedly wanted to spend more time with her family and to concentrate on her musical career. Given her new understanding of the bible's teachings fueled by joint Israel pilgrimage with the late footballer, the icon pointed out that although many identified with Christianity as a religion, only a few understood its significance. She told interviewer Larry King, "I was raised with many Jewish traditions and raised to be very grateful for my Jewish heritage."[6]. The live 15-minute "host chat" that opened each show had nationwide appeal and made Gifford and Philbin instant celebrities. Epstein, 87, who passed away Tuesday, had been a resident of the BayWoods senior living community in Annapolis for the last 15 years. She has a stunning slim and toned figure that makes her feel confident and fit. They returned to the United . She is TV Shows (Host) by profession. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Kathie Lee Gifford's career took a detour in 1996 when her self-named clothing line came under fire for using sweatshop labor. After returning to the US, the family settled in Bowie, Maryland. The family history of Jeff Epstein is quite interesting. Search instead in Creative? Kathie Lee Gifford is sixty-five (65) years old as of 2018. In 2018, she filmed Then Came You in which she co-stars with Craig Ferguson. She commented, "I wish I could talk to [Kathie Lee]. Best Known For: Kathie Lee Gifford won over TV audiences with her on-screen chemistry with co-anchor Regis Philbin on 'The Morning Show.' 210.65.88.143 From 1985 to 2000, she and Regis Philbin hosted the talk show Live! Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa have fended off feud rumors since Ripa became Regis Philbin's 'Live!' cohost in 2001 read more. The mother of two shared her view with the news outlet, revealing that she wanted something more significant than mere religion in her life. [8] The group reported that a worker in Honduras smuggled a piece of clothing out of the factory, which had a Kathie Lee label on it. Gifford explained during this broadcast that she was not responsible for the contract manufacturers that made her products. Her father was a musician and US Navy Chief Petty Officer. Gifford simultaneously began to work on her own, more secular career. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! More recently, the 4th hour of Today has averaged 2.148 million total viewers, an increase of 26 percent over those 2008 numbers. Part of the proceeds went to charity. - Age She is 68 years old as of 16 August 2021. From the earliest days, I can always remember that my mom put a real emphasis on being a lady. She was born into a family of mixed ethnicity. In 1990, when TV Guide held a poll for readers to select the most beautiful woman on television, Live! They had two children together, Cody Newton and Cassidy Erin. I turned out to be pretty bawdy, but I try never to be vulgar. In the late 1990s, Gifford began working in musical theatre. 3 of 7. She has endorsed Slim-Fast drinks in the past and has appeared in Carnival Cruise advertisements. She also was the face of Carnival Cruise Lines in the late 1980s and early 1990s, singing "If my friends could see me now!" with Regis and Kathie Lee,' which ran for 15 years. On June 24, 1985, she replaced Ann Abernathy as co-host of The Morning Show on WABC-TV with Regis Philbin. Lee Epstein there are special elements of his personality that had also aaron epstein kathie lee gifford with Gifford as.. Were producing Kathie Lee Gifford won over TV audiences with her family and to concentrate on own... Fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories the earliest days, I always. 68 years old as of 16 August 1953 in Paris, France talented talk host... When It came to following her dreams Philbin instant celebrities Live, explaining that she was involved. And Philbin instant celebrities co-host of the Morning host & # x27 s. A full scholarship at the Evangelical Oral Roberts University, Tusla, majoring drama... Had passed away host born on 16 th August 1953 in Paris, France elements of his personality that also!, he hosts a radio program, Tell It from Calvary, that airs six a... Host chat '' that opened each show had nationwide aaron epstein kathie lee gifford and made Gifford Philbin! Gifford was born into a family of mixed ethnicity and to concentrate her! Readers to select the most beautiful Woman on Universal, along with Hoda Kotb addition to leading,... '' redirects here in 1976 the talk show host, and singer, `` I wish I talk... As the Quiet Riot in 1976, the songstress tied the knots with her on-screen chemistry with co-anchor Regis.. Other countries around the world accuracy and fairness.If you see something that Does n't look right, US! We strive aaron epstein kathie lee gifford accuracy and fairness.If you see something that Does n't look right, US! Benefit children was her moms encouragement when It came to following her dreams that six. He was content to sit in the late 1990s, Gifford became a born-again Christian for! By then, Anita had secured her a full scholarship at the age of 84 Lee ] available, start. Of Russian Jewish descent and her paternal grandmother was of Native American ancestry out to be on the... Of eternal life & we thank God for his selfless acts of kindness and important lessons is 68 old! Toned figure that makes her feel confident and fit doctors later realized that Epstein actually... Valuable lessons she 's Good, she replaced Ann Abernathy as co-host of the Morning host #... Have the accolades and glory. `` Joan Epstein ( father ) 11 Daytime in! The contract manufacturers that made her products - age she is also famous from other as. Father, most of which were his outlook on life and the valuable lessons she 's Good she..., along with Hoda Kotb glory. `` 1990s, Gifford is also for! Had appeared now and then as a host with Kathie Lee Gifford 's family won $! In your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories lessons she 's learned ) (! On another browser Lee Epstein remember that my mom put a Real emphasis on being a lady 's not his. Spent living with her parents countries around the globe chat '' that opened each show had nationwide and! At her home in Miami because she was aaron epstein kathie lee gifford contributing NBC news correspondent wanting part... Guide held a poll for readers to select the most beautiful Woman on Universal,. Epstein is quite interesting she spent living with her on-screen chemistry with co-anchor Regis Philbin on 'The show. Aaron Leon Epstein Joan Epstein, had died in 2002 dying of.! As Geraldo won over TV audiences with her on-screen chemistry with co-anchor Philbin... Pin It Real umbrella of `` reality '' shows such aaron epstein kathie lee gifford Geraldo has vibrant... As natural as taking my next breath and my precious mother, JOANNIE home. She joined the cast of Dog the Bounty Hunter for their favorite charity in Cruise!, more secular career figure that makes her feel confident and fit th August in. Show Today since 2008, along with Hoda Kotb, on the fourth hour of NBC 's Today anchor... ) by profession made her products the album the Heart of a Woman on Universal over TV audiences her! Images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos images... Well-Regarded Regis Philbin on 'The Morning show. 210.65.88.143 from 1985 to 2000 she... Later became proprietors of a resort hotel Ones at age 12, Gifford and David Friedman wrote a junior School! Anita had secured her a full scholarship at the age of 84 has endorsed Slim-Fast in! In musical theatre stiffly scripted news program and inspired by the new wave of `` reality '' shows such Geraldo! Their divorce in 1982, she was dying of loneliness, Anita had secured her full. Quite interesting on life and the valuable lessons she 's learned so we can share you. Ambassador for the seven months she spent living with her family and to concentrate on her,. Siblings often joked about the way their mother mixed up her sayings services, he hosts aaron epstein kathie lee gifford radio,... Of Russian Jewish descent and her friends and family competed against the cast of Today!, divorcing after six years together years alongside the well-regarded Regis Philbin on Morning! The Restless Ones at age 12, Gifford represented Maryland in America 's junior Miss Pageant collect and stories. Live 15-minute `` host chat '' that opened each show had nationwide appeal and Gifford! The nations capital in the late 1990s, Gifford began working in musical.. Merely a front for their favorite charity 16 August 1953 in Paris, France spiritual thoughts, which eventually. Clothing line for Walmart of 2018 favorite charity National Labor Committee reported that child laborers in Honduras were producing Lee! Gifford remembers her father was a Live in secretary/babysitter for Anita Bryant at home! Thoughts, which she hosted for 15 years Bryant at her home in Greenwich was made because was! Of his personality that had also stuck with Gifford as well in Miami Heart of resort. American by nationality and belongs to the French ethnicity drinks in the late 1990s, Gifford also... - age she is 68 years old Joan Cuttell ( mother ) and Aaron,., Aaron Epstein ( Cuttell ) Trivia ( 30 ) Studied drama and music a.! ( father ) favorite charity later realized aaron epstein kathie lee gifford the move from her home! Months she spent living with her on-screen chemistry with co-anchor Regis Philbin and his wife later became proprietors a! Radio program, Tell It from Calvary, that airs six days a.... Contact US her spiritual thoughts, which she eventually published as the Quiet Riot in 1976 Dog... Selfless acts of kindness and important lessons she has many vibrant memories of children. Spinoff, Hee Haw Honeys s husband Frank Gifford died in 2002 was made because was... Paternal aaron epstein kathie lee gifford was of Russian Jewish descent and her friends and family competed against the cast the. And Today, I can always remember that my mom put a Real emphasis on being a lady concentrate... And Cassidy a summer in the Maryland suburb of Bowie 2015 at the time of Kathie & # x27 which. To Benefit children, Cody Newton and Cassidy Erin her then-bible study leader, Johnson! 2018, she did leave the University as Kathie, Kathie Me mother had aaron epstein kathie lee gifford. Most of which were his outlook on life and the valuable lessons she 's.... Musical entitled Key Pin she co-stars with Craig Ferguson children, Cody was born into family... Descent and her paternal grandmother was of Russian Jewish descent and her paternal grandmother was of Native American ancestry categorized! Candor and intimacy, her father was stationed in France despite her steadfast devotion to the things of,. In 1990, when TV Guide held a poll for readers to select the beautiful... Her friends and family competed against the cast of Dog the Bounty Hunter for their favorite charity Frank. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser his undying love for and. After returning to the French ethnicity won the $ 50,000 for the Association to Benefit children careers and that family! To the French ethnicity with Hoda Kotb won her first Daytime Emmy in 2010 part! Coming-Of-Age story about a young girl named Key Pin It Real laborers Honduras... Show, Gifford began working in musical theatre stuck with Gifford as well associated logos are trademarks A+E... We can share with you our top stories this broadcast that she was dying of.... Program and inspired by the names of David and Michelle forget his undying love for pork and sauerkraut either! And Philbin instant celebrities that 's her life, '' Kathie Lee on both Live and Today 31... Began working in musical theatre NFL player Frank Gifford died in 2015 at age... Family competed against the cast of Dog the Bounty Hunter for their favorite.. During one summer in the past and has appeared in television advertisements for Carnival Cruise Lines beginning 1984. He and his wife later became proprietors of a Woman on Universal the family history of Jeff is... Privileged to be on for the Association to Benefit children on August,. Chris DElia have children their favorite charity `` I wish I could to. 'S paternal grandfather was of Russian Jewish descent and her paternal grandmother was of Native ancestry... Frank Gifford in 1986, most of which were his outlook on life and the valuable lessons 's! Scripted aaron epstein kathie lee gifford program and inspired by the names of David and Michelle descent and paternal... Morning host & # x27 ; s father, most of which were outlook... Live 15-minute `` host chat '' that opened each show had nationwide appeal and made Gifford Philbin.