Regis Philbin

Regis Philbin was an iconic American television presenter whose career spanned more than six decades, making him the hardest‑working man in show business and earning a Guinness World Record for the most hours on U.S. television. Born on August 25, 1931 in Manhattan, New York City, he grew up in the Van Nest neighborhood of the Bronx and attended Cardinal Hayes High School before earning a sociology degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1953. After a stint as a Lieutenant (junior grade) in the United States Navy Supply Corps, Philbin entered broadcasting as a page on The Tonight Show in 1955, quickly moving into on‑air roles that showcased his quick wit and affable charm. He first gained national exposure as Joey Bishop’s sidekick on The Joey Bishop Show in 1967, and despite a brief on‑air controversy, he leveraged the experience into a series of successful local and national talk‑show assignments, including The Regis Philbin Show, A.M. Los Angeles, and a morning partnership with Kathie Lee Gifford that blossomed into the syndicated hit Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee in 1988. The program’s evolution into Live! with Regis and Kelly in 2001 cemented his place as a daytime television staple, earning him multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and a loyal fan base drawn to his genuine enthusiasm and conversational style. In addition to his talk‑show legacy, Philbin became synonymous with the primetime quiz phenomenon Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, hosting the original U.S. version from 1999 to 2002 and later returning for special editions, where his catchphrase “Is that your final answer?” entered popular culture. His versatility extended to hosting game shows such as Million Dollar Password, the inaugural season of America’s Got Talent, and numerous guest appearances on late‑night programs, sitcoms, and animated features, demonstrating an ability to blend humor, empathy, and professionalism across formats. Throughout his life Philbin remained deeply connected to his Catholic faith, his Irish and Albanian‑Italian heritage, and his alma mater Notre Dame, where he contributed millions to support the arts and athletics. Married first to Catherine Faylen (1955‑1968) and later to Joy Senese in 1970, he fathered four children, including daughters Joanna and J.J. Philbin, the latter a noted television writer. Even as health challenges arose—triple bypass surgery in 2007, hip replacement in 2009, and a blood‑clot procedure in 2010—Philbin returned promptly to his duties, embodying the resilience that defined his public persona. He passed away on July 25, 2020 in Greenwich, Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, perseverance, and an indelible imprint on American entertainment.