Joy Philbin is an American actress and television host, best known as the widow of talk show icon Regis Philbin. She rose to wider fame as a recurring co-host on Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee and later hosted her own HGTV programme. Following Regis's death in July 2020, Joy has maintained a quiet but purposeful life focused on philanthropy after previously telling Parade:
I’d rather be with Regis than any other person in the world.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Joy Philbin was born on 1 February 1941 in New York City, making her 85 years old in 2026.
- She was married to Regis Philbin for 50 years, from 1 March 1970 until his death on 24 July 2020.
- Regis Philbin died of coronary artery disease at age 88.
- Joy is the mother of author Joanna Philbin and screenwriter J.J. Philbin.
Joy Philbin's profile summary
Full name | Bette Joy Senese |
Date of birth | 1 February 1941 |
Age | 85 years old (as of October 2026) |
Place of birth | New York City, New York, USA |
Current residence | Beverly Hills, California |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Actress, television host |
Relationship status | Widow |
Husband | Regis Philbin (1970-1920) |
Children | 2 (Joanna Philbin, J.J. Philbin) |
Parents | Ethel Bertha Louise Bahnsen and Ralph Francis Senese |
Siblings | Marilyn Gladys Senese (Blakemore), Janet Louise Senese |
Net worth | Estimated $25M–$30M (multiple sources) |
Joy Philbin's biography
Joy Philbin was born Bette Joy Senese on 1 February 1941 in New York City. She developed a love of music early in life, beginning piano lessons at age eight on her mother's encouragement. In a 2010 interview with Jaime, Joay said:
I grew up around music, and my mother was a wonderful pianist. In fact, she was so popular because people would ask her if she was available before they would have a party, and people would just call out songs that she could play… She said to me, If you really want to have a wonderful life, learn how to play the piano.
After her education, Joy Philbin worked as a fashion buyer at Bloomingdale's in New York. She then became an assistant to stand-up comedian Joey Bishop, where she met a young Regis Philbin.
Source: Original
A look into Joy Philbin's career
Joy has featured in several Hollywood projects since the 1980s. Her acting credits include Malibu Express (1985), Night and the City (1992), Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous (2005), Mad About You, People I Know, and Hope & Faith.
She co-hosted with Regis on Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee (1988–2001) and later on Live! with Regis and Kelly during Kelly Ripa's absences. Joy also hosted the HGTV series At Home With... and the syndicated home programme Haven.
Source: Getty Images
Who is Joy Philbin's husband?
Joy met Regis Philbin in 1967 while both were working on the Joey Bishop Show. They married on 1 March 1970 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. Their partnership lasted 50 years — both personally and professionally. While discussing the secret to their long marriage, Joy told Parade in 2011:
There’s just something about Regis. There’s always something new on the horizon, and it keeps our lives active and fun. I’d rather be with Regis than any other person in the world.
Joy Philbin has not remarried since her husband's passing.
Who are Joy and Regis Philbin's children?
Joy and Regis had two daughters:
- Joanna Philbin (born on 19 March 1973): an author, known for The Daughters and Rules of Summer
- J.J. Philbin (born on 30 August 1974): a screenwriter and producer, known for Single Parents, Only Murders in the Building, and New Girl
Regis also had a daughter, Amy Philbin, from his first marriage to Catherine Faylen.
Source: Getty Images
What caused Regis Philbin's death?
Regis Philbin died on 24 July 2020 at the age of 88. His cause of death was a myocardial infarction due to coronary artery disease.
What is Joy Philbin's net worth?
Celebrity Net Worth estimates Regis Philbin's estate at approximately $150 million at the time of his death. Joy Philbin's exact net worth is unknown, but she is widely estimated to be a multi-millionaire, reflecting her career earnings and inheritance. Sources of Joy's income include:
- Acting and television hosting
- Estate and trust proceeds from Regis Philbin
- Real estate, including a Beverly Hills property
Who inherited Regis Philbin's money?
Regis Philbin's will listed $16.5 million in property, along with millions in cash, stocks, and bonds. Joy served as executor of the estate.
A significant portion of his assets was held in a trust, shielding the family from complex multi-state probate. According to the will, Regis' daughter Amy from his first marriage also received a share.
Source: Getty Images
What is Joy Philbin doing today?
Joy Philbin is 85 years old and leads a largely private life. She has stepped away from the spotlight, focusing on charitable endeavours rather than entertainment work.
Regis Philbin's widow supports animal rescue causes and has been involved with the Food Bank of New York City. Occasional charity appearances are her primary public engagements.
Latest news
As of October 2026, Joy Philbin has maintained a notably low public profile. No major news has been reported about her recently.
Joy continues to honour Regis's memory through the philanthropic causes they championed together. Her daughters remain active in the entertainment industry on her behalf.
Source: Getty Images
FAQs
- How old is Joy Philbin? Joy Philbin is 85 years old, born on 1 February 1941.
- Where is Joy Philbin living now? Joy Philbin currently resides in Beverly Hills, California.
- What is Joy Philbin's net worth? She is estimated to be a multimillionaire, with additional estate assets from Regis Philbin's $150 million fortune.
- Who inherited Regis Philbin's money? Joy Philbin was the executor of Regis's estate. His will distributed $16.5 million in property, stocks, and cash to family, including his daughter Amy from his first marriage.
- Did Joy Philbin remarry? No. Joy Philbin has not remarried following Regis Philbin's death in July 2020.
- What is Joy Philbin doing these days? She lives quietly in Beverly Hills, focusing on philanthropic work and occasional charity appearances. She does not maintain a public social media presence.
- What is Joy Philbin's health like in 2026? No health concerns have been publicly reported. She has been seen attending charity events in recent years.
- What films is Joy Philbin known for? Joy Philbin is known for Malibu Express (1985), Night and the City (1992), and Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous (2005).
Conclusion
Joy Philbin carved out her own identity while being married to television icon Regis Philbin. The couple had one of Hollywood's longest-lasting marriages of five decades before Regis' unfortunate death in 2020. Their two children, Joanna and J.J. Philbin, have also built successful careers in the entertainment industry.
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