Regis Philbin: The Heartwarming Legacy Of A TV Legend And Loving Father

When you think of Regis Philbin, you might picture him grinning on "Live with Regis & Kelly" or hosting the nail-biting moments of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" But there’s so much more to this legendary TV personality. Sure, he was proud of his storied career, but what truly made him beam was being the father of his four children. Regis wasn’t just a household name; he was a dad who cherished family above all else.

Regis Philbin: A Father’s Journey Through Love and Life

Regis’s journey into fatherhood began in 1961 when he welcomed his first daughter, Amy Philbin, with his first wife, actress Catherine “Kay” Faylen. The two had tied the knot back in 1955, and their union gave Regis his first taste of fatherhood. Fast forward nearly six years, and Regis found himself doubling his family size when his son, Daniel Philbin, was born in 1967. However, life took a turn when Regis and Kay parted ways in 1968 after almost 13 years of marriage.

Love Finds Regis Again

But Regis’s story of love and family wasn’t over yet. Just a year after his divorce, he met and married his second wife, Joy Philbin, in 1970. This union brought even more joy into Regis’s life, as Joy would become the mother of two more children. In 1973, the couple welcomed their daughter, Joanna Philbin, adding another chapter to their family story. And if that wasn’t enough, Regis became the proud father of four in 1975 when his third daughter, J.J. Philbin, arrived. His family was now complete, and Joy became the anchor of his heart and home.

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Remembering Regis: A Tribute from His Family

When Regis passed away on July 24, 2020, his family released a heartfelt statement to honor his memory. “We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, just one month shy of his 89th birthday,” his family shared with Us Weekly shortly after his passing. They expressed their gratitude for the time they had with him, cherishing his warmth, legendary sense of humor, and his unique talent for turning every day into something memorable. The family thanked his fans and admirers for their incredible support during his 60-year career and asked for privacy as they mourned his loss.

Regis’s Legacy: A Father’s Love

While Regis received countless awards and accolades throughout his life, nothing brought him the same level of happiness as his children. Days after his passing, Joy, along with their daughters Joanna and J.J., spoke about how much they admired him. “He let everyone into his life,” they shared with People in late July. “He turned every little daily annoyance and happiness into a story, and he shared all those little stories with people in a joyful and conversational way. It made his audience feel like they were right alongside him — because they were.”

Honoring Regis’s Memory

If you’d like to honor Regis’s memory, his family kindly asks that you consider making a donation to https://foodbanknyc.org/. This gesture helps those in need in his beloved New York, especially his home borough of The Bronx. It’s a way to keep his generous spirit alive and give back to the community he loved so much.

Meet Regis Philbin’s Four Children

Regis’s legacy lives on through his four children, each of whom carries a piece of his heart and soul. Scroll down below to learn more about the lives and accomplishments of the Million Dollar Password host’s children. From their careers to their passions, they continue to make their father proud every day.