Kathie Lee Gifford was known for her vibrant career as a singer and nightclub entertainer, and it was in the late 1980s that Kathie Lee Gifford truly captured national attention. She became a household name as the co-host of “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee,” where her cheerful demeanor quickly won over audiences. People couldn’t help but love how often she spoke fondly of her husband, former NFL star and broadcaster Frank Gifford, and their two children, Cassidy and Cody—those personal touches made Kathie Lee Gifford feel like part of the family to many daytime viewers.
Over the years, Kathie Lee Gifford continued to shine both on stage and on screen, maintaining that warm, uplifting energy she was known for. Then, in 2008, Kathie Lee Gifford returned to morning television with a new role on “The Today Show” (NBC, 1952–), where she embraced a more relaxed and playful image. Alongside her cohost Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford brought humor, heart, and a bit of sass, transforming her once-conservative persona into that of a fun-loving, slightly boozy older woman who wasn’t afraid to laugh at herself.
After more than a decade of brightening mornings across America, Kathie Lee Gifford made the emotional announcement in late 2018 that she would be stepping down from “Today.” She shared that her final episode would air in April 2019—a bittersweet moment marking the end of an era for Kathie Lee Gifford and her devoted fans.
So, when it comes to Kathie Lee Gifford’s career in film and music, there are definitely some highlights and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. If we’re talking about her most successful project, Kathie Lee Gifford’s highest rated movie is Then Came You from 2020—a heartfelt film that really resonated with audiences and critics alike. It’s clear that Kathie Lee Gifford brought something special to that role, adding both charm and depth. On the flip side, one of the less acclaimed entries in her portfolio is Dudley Do-Right, released way back in 1999. While it had its moments, it ended up being Kathie Lee Gifford’s lowest rated film overall. Still, even in projects that didn’t perform as well, Kathie Lee Gifford’s presence was always noticeable.