Regis Philbin’s First Wife, Catherine Faylen-Their Married Life, Divorce & Children

Catherine Faylen is the former wife of late iconic television personality, Regis Philbin. Catherine, who is also famously known as Kay Faylen is also a former actress and she was active before her marriage to Regis Philbin. Besides, Kay is the daughter of late actors Frank Faylen and Carol Hughes.

Catherine has been living under the media radar ever since her divorce from the late TV personality. However, she once again made her way to the media after her ex-husband Regis Philbin passed away in 2020. After that, many of Regis’ fans have been curious to know Catherine’s whereabouts. So where is she indeed?

In today’s article, we will have a detailed view of Regis Philbin’s ex-wife, Catherine Philbin.

Catherine Faylen Parents, Siblings and Early Life

She was born Catherine Frances Ruf to Frank Faylen and Carol Hughes. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA. When it comes to her birth date, different sites have mentioned different data. Where IMDb has mentioned Catherine was born on July 9, 1929, while Myheritage.com mentioned she was born in 1931.

Meanwhile, Catherine also has a younger sister named Carol Jones. She was born Carol Dian Ruf on December 27, 1948. The California-native is happily married to Stephen Jones since December 21, 1968, and are parents to one child.

Her Parents Were Actors

As we mentioned earlier, Catherine’s parents were both pretty popular actors. Her father, Frank was a character actor who occasionally played more fleshed-out supporting roles.

Meanwhile, LA Times has referred to Frank as the actor with more than 400 films under his belt. Frank was most notable for his works on The Grapes of Wrath, Funny Girls, and Gunfight at the OK Corral among others.

On the other hand, Catherine’s mother, Carol was also a famous actress. Carol, the Chicago-born actress famously worked opposite Gene Autry and Roy Roers in her heydays. She is known for her character as Dale Arden in Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe.

Catherine Faylen Parents’ Death

Kay’s father and renowned actor, Frank Faylen died on August 2, 1985, at the age of 79. As per records, Frank passed away in Burbank, California from complications from pneumonia.

Likewise, Catherine’s mother, Carol passed away on August 8, 1995, ten years after her husband’s death. Carol and Frank were married from 1928 until his death in 1985. Both of Catherine’s parents were buried in the San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hill, Los Angeles.

Catherine Faylen’s Married Life to Regis Philbin

Not many of you might be aware of Catherine’s love life with her late ex-husband Regis Philbin. Well, many of Philbin’s fans are well aware that they were married, however, info like how and when they met is pretty less talked about.

The ex-pair was married for over a decade in the 1950s and 1960s. As per ET Online, Catherine and Regis Philbin got married in 1955. Meanwhile, IMDb has reported their wedding date as September 8, 1956.

Not long after their marriage, the couple became parents for the first time. They gave birth to their daughter Amy Philbin. They welcomed their second child, Daniel Philbin in the mid-1960s. Shortly after they became parents for the second time, Catherine and Regis Philbin parted their ways. They reportedly finalized their divorce in 1968.

Her Second Child, Son Daniel was Differently Abled

One of Catherine Faylen’s children was disabled. Her son Daniel Philbin was born with a severe spinal defect due to which both of his legs were amputated during his childhood. Despite his physical disability, Daniel had a great ambition in his mind.

Daniel studied at Quartz Hill High School in Los Angeles and he later went on to study political science at California State University at Northridge. Moreover, Danny went to the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. for his master’s degree. Daniel graduated in 1966, with a degree in world politics.

Danny’s relationship with his father, Regis Philbin was not good, however, the late TV presenter was always proud of his son. Talking with Esquire in 1994, Philbin said he had idolized his son. “He is my hero,” Regis Philbin said. He added, “For him to overcome all this disability, to graduate from college, work on his master’s program –  he’s just a dynamite, a remarkable kid.”

Talking about his profession, Daniel served at the Department of Defense for a long time. He worked as a writer-editor in the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Office’s Directorate of Public Inquiry and Analysis.

While there, Daniel dealt with the chaotic situation and helped the department following the 9/11 attack in the Pentagon. He later received an award for his heroic work during the terrorist attack.

Daniel Philbin Died Before His Father

Daniel Philbin, the disabled child of late actor Regis Philbin died at the young age of 49 in 2014. Radar Online reported Danny died of natural causes, however, his family didn’t release any statement regarding his death. In fact, Danny died on November 7, 2014, however, the news only circulated in early 2015.

Meanwhile, Danny’s father, Regis Philbin died more than five years after his death. Regis died on July 24, 2020. His family confirmed his death in a statement through a representative. While the family revealed Regis’ death was due to natural causes, many other online tabloids speculated the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire host died of heart failure.

Talking about Regis’ health issues, he had suffered from several serious issues at different times. He had to undergo angioplasty back in 1993. Later in 2007, Regis Philbin had triple bypass surgery. Furthermore, Regis underwent hip transplant surgery in December 2009.

Catherine Faylen’s Love Life after Her Divorce-Her Ex-Husband Remarried Soon

As mentioned above, Catherine and Regis Philbin divorced in 1968, and after her divorce, Catherine started living a secluded life. There is pretty little to no info on her love life following her first divorce. But on the other hand, her ex, Regis Philbin married his second wife, Joy Sense soon after the divorce.

The pair started dating soon after Regis and Catherine’s divorce. And they tied the knot without doing any late in 1970. The pair remained married for nearly five decades before Philbin’s death last summer (July 2020). Regis had two children with his second spouse as well. They gave birth to daughters Joanna Sense Philbin and J.J. Philbin.

Philbin split his time between Manhattan and Greenwich, Connecticut after his second marriage.

What About Catherine Faylen Current Whereabouts?

Well, one of the most asked questions about Catherine is where she is now. Well, to be honest, we don’t have the answer either. Moreover, many people have been searching if a former actress is still alive so we want to make you sure that Catherine Faylen is still alive.

Catherine was also an Actress

It’s no surprise that Catherine was fascinated by her parents’ profession. So, she also ended up being an actress. However, she couldn’t make it big as her parents. Besides, she hasn’t talked much about her acting career as well.

Catherine was shortly active as an actor during the 1950s. Some of her most notable roles were in Science Fiction Theatre, Highway Patrol, and The Man Called X to name a few.