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Entertainment • Television Host

Joy Philbin

Joy Philbin is an American television personality and actress best known for occasional co-hosting and guest appearances on daytime television, including programs associated with her husband, Regis Philbin.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joy Philbin is an American television personality and actress best known for occasional co-hosting and guest appearances on daytime television, including programs associated with her husband, Regis Philbin. She has also appeared in film and television roles and was formerly married to Regis Philbin until his death in 2020.

Early life

Joy Philbin was born Bette Joy Senese in New York City in 1941. Available sources identify her as American and note her early life in New York.

Television career

Philbin is known as a television personality with guest and fill-in hosting roles, especially on programs linked to Regis Philbin. She also appeared in television and film productions as an actress.

Personal life

She married Regis Philbin in 1970 and remained married until his death in 2020. Sources describe her as his widow and note that the couple had children.

Film and screen appearances

Philbin's screen credits include appearances in both film and television. Sources list titles such as Malibu Express, Night and the City, and Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous.

Key facts

  • Joy Philbin was born Bette Joy Senese in New York City on February 1, 1941.
  • She is an American television personality and actress.
  • She was married to television host Regis Philbin from 1970 until his death in 2020.
  • She has occasionally filled in as a co-host on daytime talk shows associated with Regis Philbin.
  • She has acting credits in film and television, including appearances in works such as Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous, Malibu Express, and Night and the City.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Joy Philbin?
Joy Philbin is an American television personality and actress best known for guest and fill-in hosting work and for her marriage to Regis Philbin.
What is Joy Philbin's birth name?
Her birth name is Bette Joy Senese.
When was Joy Philbin born?
She was born on February 1, 1941.
Who was Joy Philbin married to?
She was married to television host Regis Philbin from 1970 until his death in 2020.
What is Joy Philbin known for on television?
She is known for occasional co-hosting and guest appearances on daytime television, including fill-in roles on shows associated with Regis Philbin.
Has Joy Philbin acted in films or TV shows?
Yes. Sources list acting credits including Malibu Express, Night and the City, and Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Joy_Philbin
    Supports: General identification as Joy Philbin and relationship to Regis Philbin
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005309/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupation, marriage to Regis Philbin, and screen credits
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005309/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, birth name, and acting credits
  4. TVRage — https://www.tvrage.com/person/id-80412/Joy_Philbin/
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, and birthplace
  5. Us Weekly — https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/regis-philbins-wife-joy-philbin-speaks-out-after-his-death/
    Supports: Her status as Regis Philbin's wife and his death in 2020