The Truth About Regis Philbin's Wife, Joy Philbin
There's no denying Regis Philbin cemented a spot in TV history with his long-running hosting gigs on Live! and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? But since Regis is now retired, he's been spending plenty of time with his wife, Joy Philbin. The couple has been married for almost 50 years — yes, 5-0 — and their bond is still as strong as ever.
In a 2011 interview with Parade, the couple was asked about the key to a long, successful marriage. Regis joked, "What is the secret, Joy? My fear of you?" Joy, however, gave a much more sentimental answer, explaining, "There's just something about Regis... I'd rather be with Regis than any other person in the world." Of course, Joy is much more than just Regis' sidekick, so let's jump in and learn more about the wife of one of TV's most beloved hosts.
Joy Philbin is no stranger to the stage or the screen
Regis isn't the only Philbin who's appeared on screen. Joy's made a few film and TV appearances of her own, including a 2006 cameo on Hope and Faith, the ABC sitcom headlined by Regis' former Live! co-host, Kelly Ripa. She played herself in Miss Congeniality 2 and an episode of Mad About You.
In addition to scripted projects, she's appeared on Rachael Ray, Live! With Regis & Kelly, and The Late Show With David Letterman. She also hosted HGTV's series At Home With..., a show she once described to Architectural Digest as a "chicer" version of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. When discussing co-hosting Live! with Regis, Joy told Parade, "When I do the show with him it's like going to a party. It's fun because we don't do it often!"
But there's one thing she won't do with her husband: reality TV. When the magazine posed that question, Joy responded, "Where you get up in the morning and they're in your kitchen waiting for you? I can tell you that's not going to happen!"
Regis Philbin isn't Joy's only famous relative
Joy and Regis Philbin have two children together, Joanna and J.J. Not only is Joy's husband a famous TV host, but she's the mother-in-law to another name TV fans will recognize: Michael Schur. He married the Philbins' daughter J.J. in 2005, and the pair have two kids together. Schur helped create three of the most popular comedies in recent memory: The Good Place, Parks and Rec, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He also worked on The Office and Master of None.
The Philbins' daughters also have made names for themselves beyond their parents. Joanna is an author of books like The Daughters and Rules of Summer, per Closer Weekly, while J.J. has written on TV shows, including The O.C. J.J. has also served as a producer on Single Parents, Heroes, and New Girl. Sounds like talent runs in the family, huh?
Regis and Joy Philbin share a few amusing hobbies
One of the Philbins' biggest hobbies is playing tennis together, which keeps things... interesting. Joy Philbin told Parade, "If we win at tennis, then we're totally in love for the rest of the day, but it can really trigger an ugly evening if one of us isn't playing well." Regis jokingly chimed in, "We're not as bad as we used to be. It used to destroy an evening dinner if we played poorly — and one of us of course played poorly a lot of times."
These two aren't just skilled on the court, they also hang inside the studio — the music studio, that is. Back in 2009, Regis and Joy recorded an album of classic standards titled Regis and Joy: Just You, Just Me, and they've performed together multiple times, including taking the stage in Connecticut in March 2015. Joy told the CT Post, "Regis has lived a long life and has lots of funny tales to tell. I join him midway and we sing together." They've also hit the stage in Atlantic City.
Regis and Joy Philbin have a major anniversary on the horizon
Now that he's not spending every day hosting a TV show, Regis Philbin is filling his free time with the people he loves the most. In October 2017, Regis told AJC.com, "Since I retired, it has been relaxing to have the freedom to do what I want every day and travel with Joy. We love going to California to be with our kids and grandkids."
Since their 50th anniversary is on the horizon, the couple plans to celebrate with their friends and family, according to Closer Weekly. A source who knows the couple said in January 2020, "Regis and Joy are always celebrating their marriage, but 50 years is a long time." Their relationship seems as strong as ever. "Regis worships the ground Joy walks on," the insider said. "They truly are best friends... It's one of Hollywood's longest lasting marriages and a true love story."