Regis and Ronda? Why Not?

Ronda Jamgotchian of Anaheim has a date with the “million dollar” man. Ever since her first appearance on the ABC morning television show “Live With Regis!” earlier this month, the labor lawyer has been anticipating the glow of stardom.

“I’ve run into people who recognize me from the show,” said Jamgotchian, 33. “While I’m shopping at Macy’s or at a restaurant in Orange, people I’ve never met will come talk to me and wish me luck.”

Jamgotchian called from a Manhattan hotel, having flown to New York to co-host “Live!” at 9 a.m. PDT today. She not only gets to rub elbows with Regis Philbin, she’ll also interview Vice President Al Gore as part of the show.

Jamgotchian said her second lucky break came when she was chosen by 20,000 Internet voters as the “most real-person co-host.” The first was after she bested 15,000 contenders in an initial contest.

The network started a search for a permanent co-host after Kathy Lee Gifford left the show earlier this year.

Producers say there’s no short list for Philbin’s show-mate. In fact, the long list includes Jamgotchian and celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Lucy Lawless, Dolly Parton, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson and Olympic gold medalist Dara Torres.

Michael Gelman, executive producer of “Live!,” says the courting of a co-host makes for good TV. “Since people at home are loving the show of us doing the search, we’re not in a big rush to find a replacement.”

Jamgotchian sees her million-in-one chance as the fulfillment of a dream.

“I’ve always felt my whole life that I wanted a career in the TV or film industry,” she said. “I’ve always felt my place was in front of the camera. This is a great validation for me.”

Her outgoing personality has earned her several magic moments on national television. She appeared on game shows such as “‘Wheel of Fortune” and “Super Password” in the 1980s. In December she was chosen at random to participate in the “Rosie O’Donnell Show’s” Who Wants to Win Some Angel Hair (pasta) contest--coincidentally, a spoof of the popular “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” also hosted by Philbin.

Jamgotchian has watched “Live!” avidly for six years and is prepared to dump the courtroom for the living room--the set of “Live!”--if Hollywood calls. For now she’ll have fun on the show and wait for the phone to ring.

“I thought there was good chemistry between Regis and myself,” Jamgotchian said. “Besides, I think ‘Live With Regis and Ronda!’ sounds really good.”