New "Millionaire" Host 'Cedric the Entertainer:' Dead are the Days of Meredith Vieira, "King of Comedy" Replaces Former Game Show Announcer

'Cedric the Entertainer' has been named the new host of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." One of the original "Kings of Comedy" replaces Meredith Vieira, who has hosted the daytime version of the game show since it began airing in syndication in 2002, reports USA Today.

Despite lingering death hoaxes, Ced will prove that he is very much alive and well when he takes over the 'Millionaire' position, originally held by Regis Philbin, this coming fall.

"I'm truly looking forward to hosting Millionaire,'" Cedric said in a statement. "The show is a modern day game show giant, and the team at Disney-ABC has been great at putting the right elements together over 11 seasons. I'm excited to entertain all those who watch and play as season 12 launches ... It's going to be a good time every day!"

Millionaire has not held up as well as some of its counterparts, states USA Today. The show is averaging 3.2 million viewers this season, down 10% from last year, and has less than half the audience of the rebounding Family Feud, now hosted by comedian Steve Harvey. But Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! remain game-show kings, drawing 11 million and 9.6 million viewers, respectively, in their mostly early-evening time slots.

After losing long-time host Vieira, who is leaving to pursue "other opportunities," Disney-ABC decided to pursue a new opportunity of their own and filled her spot with comedian Cedric in Millionaire's new season. They hope this replacement will bring back viewers and boost ratings, just like Family Feud's 2010 recruit, Harvey, has done for them.

"We are thrilled to announce that Cedric 'The Entertainer' will be at the helm as our new host of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,'" said Janice Marinelli, president, Disney-ABC Domestic Television. "With his deep roots as a successful stand-up comedian and actor, Cedric will bring his fresh approach and unpredictable fun to the show."

"Cedric 'The Entertainer' is the perfect person to take the 'Millionaire' franchise to the next level," added Vicki Dummer, executive vice president, Times Square Studios. "An immensely talented performer with widespread appeal, Cedric will no doubt infuse his gregarious personality and humor into the show."

Although Cedric is no Regis, let's hope that his "final answer" prompts are up to par with the original host's, which made America fall in love with "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" back in its glory days.