Who is Kelly Ripa?
Kelly Maria Ripa, born on October 2, 1970, in Stratford, New Jersey, is a renowned American actress, talk show host, and television producer. She gained national recognition for her role as Hayley Vaughan on the soap opera All My Children and later became the co-host of the morning talk show Live! with Kelly and Mark. Ripa is known for her engaging personality, professional hosting skills, and successful acting career.
Early Life and Education
Kelly Maria Ripa was born on October 2, 1970, in Stratford, New Jersey, to parents Joseph Ripa, a labor union president, and Esther Ripa, a homemaker. Kelly’s upbringing was rooted in a middle-class household, and she developed an interest in acting at a young age. Growing up in a close-knit family, Kelly was encouraged to pursue her passions. She attended Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees, New Jersey, where she became involved in drama and school plays, showcasing her early talent in performance.
Ripa’s passion for acting led her to attend Rutgers University in New Jersey, where she pursued a degree in psychology. Although she initially studied psychology, her love for the performing arts was undeniable, and she eventually decided to focus more on acting. It was during her time at Rutgers that she honed her skills in front of an audience, preparing her for the future that awaited her in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Kelly Ripa’s personal life is a blend of family, love, and happiness. She met her husband, Mark Consuelos, while working on the set of All My Children in the late 1990s. Consuelos, an actor known for his role as Mateo Santos on the soap opera, immediately connected with Ripa. Their on-screen chemistry translated into real-life romance, and the couple married on May 1, 1996, just a few months after they began dating. Their marriage has stood the test of time, and the couple remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved duos.
Together, Kelly and Mark have three children: Michael Joseph (born 1997), Lola Grace (born 2001), and Joaquin Antonio (born 2003). Ripa is known to be a devoted mother, and her family plays an essential role in her life. Despite her busy career, she always makes time to support her children and often shares heartwarming moments with them on social media, creating an image of a tight-knit, happy family.
Ripa’s personal life and marriage have been widely admired, especially as she and Consuelos have managed to balance their successful careers with raising their children. The couple is often seen as a great example of love, commitment, and mutual support in the world of show business.
Family
Kelly Ripa’s family has been instrumental in her success, with her parents providing her with the support she needed throughout her childhood. Her father, Joseph, worked as a union president, and her mother, Esther, was a homemaker. Ripa has spoken in several interviews about the influence her parents had on her upbringing, especially their encouragement of her performing arts interests.
Ripa’s family has always been close, and she often shares stories about growing up in her hometown of Stratford. Her siblings, as well as her extended family, are a constant source of support in both her personal and professional life.
Ripa has a special relationship with her children. While balancing her demanding career, she ensures that her children are always at the forefront of her priorities. Whether it’s attending their events or supporting their individual pursuits, Kelly and Mark are hands-on parents who deeply value family time. Ripa has often shared her life lessons on family and relationships with her audience, advocating for honesty, love, and the importance of staying grounded.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelly Maria Ripa |
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Stratford, New Jersey, USA |
| Height | 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Parents | Esther (mother), Joseph Ripa (father) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $120 million |
| Occupation | Actress, Talk Show Host, Television Producer, Dancer |
| Spouse | Mark Consuelos (married 1996) |
| Children | 3 (Michael, Lola, Joaquin) |
| Active Years | 1986–present |
Career
Kelly Ripa’s career began in the late 1980s when she appeared in regional theater productions. However, it was her breakthrough role in the soap opera All My Children that truly set the stage for her rise to fame. Ripa joined the cast of All My Children in 1990 as Hayley Vaughan, a role that quickly made her a fan favorite. Her performances were well-received, and by 1995, she had become one of the soap opera’s leading stars.
After leaving All My Children in 2002, Ripa transitioned to hosting, which would become a defining chapter in her career. She joined Regis Philbin as co-host of Live! with Regis and Kelly in 2001, a moment that marked the beginning of her lasting presence in daytime television. Ripa’s lively, engaging personality made her a perfect fit for the show, and her chemistry with Regis was undeniable. The program became a hit, and Ripa quickly became one of the most recognized faces in the entertainment industry.
In 2011, Ripa became the sole host of Live! with Kelly after Regis Philbin’s departure. She went on to further solidify her reputation as one of the top talk show hosts in the business. Ripa’s natural charisma, quick wit, and ability to connect with guests and viewers alike made her a favorite of audiences. Her tenure on the show continued to be a success, and in 2017, the show was rebranded as Live with Kelly and Ryan, with Ryan Seacrest joining her as co-host.
In addition to her hosting career, Kelly Ripa has ventured into acting and production. She starred in the sitcom Hope & Faith, which aired from 2003 to 2006, and she has made guest appearances in numerous TV shows and films. She has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including charity work for children’s hospitals and other causes close to her heart.
Ripa’s career has also extended into the world of business. She has a production company called Mara Productions, which is named after her mother, and she has used this platform to develop various projects. Additionally, Kelly Ripa has written books, including a memoir, and she continues to expand her influence in the entertainment world.
Throughout her career, Kelly Ripa has been nominated for and received numerous awards, including Daytime Emmy Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and others that recognize her excellence in television hosting. She is often recognized for her impact on daytime TV and is celebrated for her authenticity, humor, and work ethic.
Kelly Ripa’s Notable Movies and TV Shows
| Title | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly Me to the Moon | 2008 | Nat’s Mom (voice) | Animated film featuring Ripa as the voice of Nat’s mother. |
| Delgo | 2008 | Princess Kyla | Animated fantasy film where Ripa voices Princess Kyla. |
| Cheaper by the Dozen | 2003 | Sarina | Comedy film about a large family, with Ripa playing Sarina. |
| The Great Buck Howard | 2008 | Herself | Comedy film where Ripa plays herself. |
| Sharknado 2: The Second One | 2014 | Herself | TV movie where Ripa appears as herself. |
| The Stand-In | 2020 | Herself | Comedy film featuring Ripa as herself. |
| Riverdale | 2017 | Mrs. Mulwray | TV series where Ripa guest stars as Mrs. Mulwray. |
| Famous in Love | 2017 | Herself | TV series where Ripa appears as herself. |
| Nightcap | 2016 | Herself | TV series featuring Ripa as herself. |
| The Jim Gaffigan Show | 2015 | Herself | TV series where Ripa plays herself. |
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| @kellyripa | |
| @KellyRipa | |
| Kelly Ripa |
Latest News
As of early 2025, Kelly Ripa has been making headlines for her return to the hosting role on Live! with Kelly and Mark after briefly stepping away to focus on personal projects. Fans and critics alike are excited about her energetic return to the morning talk show, and there is growing anticipation for her upcoming television production ventures, as Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos continue to expand their production company, Milojo.
Kelly Ripa’s Height and Physical Appearance
Kelly Ripa stands at a height of 5’3″ (160 cm). Despite her shorter stature, she often commands attention with her energetic presence and engaging personality. Ripa is known for her youthful appearance, often being praised for her fitness and healthy lifestyle. Her blonde hair, paired with her bright smile and sharp fashion sense, has made her a well-known figure in the entertainment industry.
Kelly Ripa’s Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Kelly Ripa’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $120 million. This impressive figure stems from her long-running role as the co-host of Live!, her acting career, and her various business ventures. In addition, her production company, Milojo, which she co-founded with her husband, has also contributed significantly to her wealth. Ripa’s financial success is a testament to her versatility and staying power in the entertainment industry.
People also ask
Who was Kelly Ripa’s first husband?
Kelly Ripa’s first husband was actor Mark Consuelos. They met on the set of All My Children and got married in 1996.
Why is Kelly Ripa so famous?
Kelly Ripa is famous for her role as a co-host on the daytime talk show Live with Kelly and Mark (formerly Live with Regis and Kelly). She is also known for her acting career and engaging personality.
Does Kelly Ripa have biological children?
Yes, Kelly Ripa has three biological children with her husband Mark Consuelos: Michael, Lola, and Joaquin.
Who was Mark Consuelos’ first wife?
Mark Consuelos’ first and only wife is Kelly Ripa. They have been married since 1996.
