Regis Philbin Wouldn’t Have Traded His Kids for a Million Bucks — Meet the Famous TV Host’s 4 Children

Amy Philbin

Regis became a father for the first time after welcoming his daughter Amy into the world.

Following his divorce with his first wife, Kay — which he says was “a marriage that didn’t work or last,” according to People — Amy wasn’t spotted too often around her father.

While there isn’t much at all that we know about her, we do know that Amy pursued a career in singing.

Daniel Philbin

Daniel, Regis’ son from his first marriage, sadly died from natural causes on November 7, 2014 at the young age of 49.

For his entire life, Daniel — who strayed from the limelight like his sister — was bound to a wheelchair due to a spinal cord birth defect. His case was so severe that Daniel had both of his legs amputated in hopes that it would help his condition. Regis’ only son spent the majority of his childhood at the Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation in California.

Despite his setbacks, Daniel had great success in the Defense Department workforce. At age 37, the late son was among 16 persons with disabilities honored by the Department of Defense for his contributions related to the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Although Regis and his son had a tumultuous relationship, the two are said to have reconnected years before Daniel’s untimely passing.

Joanna Philbin

Regis welcomed his first daughter, Joanna, in 1973 with his second wife, Joy, just three years after the couple tied the knot. Joanna was born in Los Angeles, but raised in New York City.

After growing up, she attended Brown University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. The brunette beauty then went on to receive her Master’s Degree at the University of Notre Dame — her father’s alma mater.

Today, Joanna is an accomplished author. Besides creating the genius The Daughters Take the Stage series, Joanna is also the author of Rules of Summer and Since Last Summer. We highly suggest reading one of her amazing books!

J.J. Philbin

Regis and Joy welcomed their youngest child, daughter Jennifer Joy, better known as J.J., in 1974. Like her older sister, Joanna, J.J. grew up in New York City.

The blonde beauty also followed in her famous father’s footsteps as she received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, his alma mater. Nowadays, J.J. is an incredibly talented Hollywood producer and screenwriter, best known for her work on the drama series The O.C. 

From 2018 to 2020, the entertainment mogul served as the executive producer of Single Parents on ABC. Regis made a cameo on the series in April 2020, just months before his death. 

“You can kind of feel that everybody is kind of giddy having him here on set. It’s exciting,” actor Taran Killam said in a behind-the-scenes look at the episode. “And honestly, it’s a little bit emotional just seeing J.J. with her dad. They love each other so much and their whole relationship is tight in showbiz, and she has her own show now and he’s able to come and support her on camera, it’s a very cool moment.” 

J.J. is married to producer Michael Schur, with whom she shares son William, born in 2008, and daughter Ivy Elizabeth, born in 2010. Michael is best known for his work as a producer and writer for The Office and the co-creator of Parks and Recreation.