Table of Biography
Regis Philbin was an American television personality. Regis Philbin was a popular television personality famous for being the host of the game show ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’.
Early Life and Childhood
Regis Philbin whose birth name is Regis Francis Xavier Philbin was born on 25th August 1931. Being born in late August, his zodiac sign was Virgo. Likewise, he was born in New York City, New York, United States of America and he was an American by nationality. Similarly, talking about his family members, Regis is the son of Francis ‘Frank’ Philbin and Filomena.
Likewise, his father Frank was in the U.S. Marine and served in the Pacific. Likewise, he was a multi-ethnic person as his father was of Irish descent and his mother was of an Albanian-Italian immigrant family. Similarly, about his religion, he was a follower of Catholicism. Likewise, about his siblings, he had one brother who asked not to mention him on television due to privacy matters.
Regarding his childhood, he spent his early childhood in the Van Nest neighborhood of the Bronx in New York. Likewise, he went to Our Lady of Solace Grammar School. Following this, he went to Cardinal Hayes High School. Similarly, he got a degree in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame. Furthermore, after graduating, he went to the U.S. Navy where he worked as a supply officer in Lieutenant Junior Grade and also went through a few behind-the-scenes jobs in television and radio.
Regis Philbin – Death
He was 89 years old when he died on 24th July 2020. Unfortunately, he passed away due to a natural cause on 24 July 2020.
Regis Philbin – Early Career
Likewise, Regis started his career through show business work. Similarly, he was also a page on ‘The Tonight Show’ in the year 1955. Followed by his discharge from the military he started his career through television work. He began his career with several entry-level jobs in Hollywood. It includes a post as a film delivery man at KCOP-TV in Los Angeles, California. Moreover, he did his first talk show ‘The Regis Philbin Show’ in San Diego on KGTV-TV. Similarly, without any money for a writing staff, he began each show sharing his observations and engaging with the audience. Likewise, this led to an Emmy-Winning Los Angeles show ‘Philbin’s People discussing current issues with popular celebrities.
Followed by television programs, over time he began hosting many programs. He began hosting The Joey Bishop Show. He gained much national exposure in the year 1967 as the sidekick of this show. Even though it was a huge opportunity for him, however, he was unhappy during this stint. Likewise, he then hosted the morning show Temp on KHJ-TV in Los Angeles for around three years. He also works in two game shows for ABC hosting The Neighbors and Almost Anything Goes’. Likewise, he has also hosted a magazine show for Lifetime Cable Network’s Regis Philbin Lifestyle’ which eventually became the Regis Philbin Show in Prime Time.
Similarly, in the year 1983, he joined ‘The Morning Show’ along with Cindy Garvey. However, it did not fare well in the ratings. Moreover, shortly after Cindy was replaced by Kathie Lee and Regis which was later renamed as ‘Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee. This duo made a great show making him receive seven Emmy nominations.
More on Career
Later in the year 1999, he began working as a host in the prime-time game show ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Moreover, it was initially for a two-week release but became a success. Likewise, after dominating the rating race during the network ‘sweeps’ period, it got a regular place in the schedule. Moreover, he became a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host. Likewise, in addition to his success in the show, he introduces his new foul soap opera star, Kelly Ripa. Likewise, this show was later renamed ‘Live! With Regis and Kelly.
Caption: Regis with Larry King. Source: Twitter
In the year 2004, Regis broke the Guinness World’s Record for Most Hours on camera with a total of 15,188 hours. Similarly, he also celebrates the 20th anniversary of national syndication with a special appearance by Kathie Lee Gifford. Likewise, in July 2013, he made a return to the small screen as a host for the sports series ‘Crowd Goes Wild’.
Regis Philbin – Net worth 2024
Talking about his net worth and earnings, Regis was a television host, actor, singer, and author by profession. Likewise, throughout his career, he had made exceptional performances in his work. Similarly, he had a net worth of around $150 million.
Relationship Status
Regarding his relationship status, Regis was straight and in a marital relationship. He initially tied the knot with Kay Faylan from the year 1955-68 and has two children Amy and Daniel. After separation, he tied the knot with Joy Senses in the year 1970 and had two daughters Joanne and Jennifer together.
Body Measurements
Unfortunately, there is no information about his body measurement detail available in the media.
Caption: Regis Philbin posing for a picture. Source: Twitter
Social Media
Reflecting upon his social media presence, Regis Philbin had an account on Facebook and Twitter. His Facebook account was @regiss.philbin. Similarly, his Twitter account was @regis, and had over 33.2k followers since he joined in December 2013.