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Entertainment • Television

Regis Philbin

Regis Philbin was an American television personality, talk-show host, game-show host, actor, and singer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Regis Philbin was an American television personality, talk-show host, game-show host, actor, and singer. He was best known for hosting "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," and remained one of U.S. television’s most recognizable hosts for decades.

Early life and education

Regis Philbin was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx. He later attended the University of Notre Dame and served in the U.S. Navy.

Television career

Philbin began working in television in the 1950s and went on to host local and national programs. His best-known work included "Live!" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

Awards and recognition

Philbin received multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. He was also widely recognized for his longevity on television.

Death and legacy

Philbin died in July 2020 in Greenwich, Connecticut, at age 88. He is remembered as one of American television’s most prominent and enduring hosts.

Key facts

  • Regis Philbin was an American TV personality known as a talk-show and game-show host.
  • He is most closely associated with "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee" and its later version, "Live! with Regis and Kelly."
  • He also hosted "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and the first season of "America's Got Talent."
  • He died in 2020 at age 88 from natural causes or heart disease.
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Canadian context

Regis Philbin was widely known to Canadian audiences through syndicated television, especially "Live!" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

Frequently asked questions

Who was Regis Philbin?
Regis Philbin was an American television personality, talk-show host, game-show host, actor, and singer best known for "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."
How old was Regis Philbin when he died?
He was 88 years old when he died on July 24, 2020.
What was Regis Philbin's cause of death?
Sources describe his death as due to natural causes; some biographical sources specifically list heart disease.
How much was Regis Philbin worth?
Public sources in the provided results do not give a single verified net worth figure.
Who was Regis Philbin married to?
He was married to Catherine Faylen and later to Joy Philbin.
What shows did Regis Philbin host?
He hosted "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee" / "Live! with Regis and Kelly," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," and the first season of "America's Got Talent."

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Regis-Philbin
    Supports: Birth, death, age, and major hosting credits including Live! with Regis and Kelly and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
  2. Television Academy — https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/regis-philbin
    Supports: Biography, major shows hosted, Emmy recognition, and age at death.
  3. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/11/us/regis-philbin-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth and death dates, marriages, and career timeline.
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/regis-philbin
    Supports: Death from natural causes and overview of career.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005310/bio/
    Supports: Death cause listed as heart disease and credits including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and America's Got Talent.
  6. Television Academy — https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/regis-philbin
    Supports: Career details including The Regis Philbin Show, A.M. Los Angeles, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee/Kelly, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.