The $40 Million Man: 5 Surprising Secrets About Kelly Ripa's Husband, Mark Consuelos, That Keep Their 28-Year Marriage Hot

The name on everyone’s lips is Mark Consuelos. As of December 2025, he is not just the husband of daytime TV icon Kelly Ripa; he is her co-host on the massively popular *Live with Kelly and Mark*, cementing their status as one of television's most powerful and enduring couples. After nearly three decades of marriage, the couple is more in sync than ever, recently celebrating major milestones like a new studio for their show and their children reaching adulthood. The curiosity surrounding Kelly Ripa’s partner stems from their incredible chemistry—both on and off-screen. From their start as soap opera sweethearts to their current reign over morning television, Mark Consuelos has built an impressive career and a formidable family alongside Kelly Ripa. Here is everything you need to know about the man who has been Kelly Ripa's rock for 28 years and counting, including the latest 2024 updates and surprising facts about his past.

Mark Consuelos: Biography and Professional Profile

Mark Andrew Consuelos is an American actor, producer, and talk show host best known for his long-running role as Mateo Santos on the ABC soap opera *All My Children* and his current role as co-host of *Live with Kelly and Mark*.

• Full Name: Mark Andrew Consuelos
• Date of Birth: March 30, 1970
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 55
• Place of Birth: Zaragoza, Spain
• Nationality: American
• Heritage: Mexican and Italian
• Spouse: Kelly Ripa (m. May 1, 1996)
• Children: Michael Joseph (b. 1997), Lola Grace (b. 2001), and Joaquin Antonio (b. 2003)
• Education: University of South Florida (B.A. in Marketing)
• Known For: *All My Children*, *Riverdale* (Hiram Lodge), *Live with Kelly and Mark*
• Estimated Net Worth: $40 Million (as of late 2024)

Born in Spain, Consuelos spent his childhood moving around, living in Italy and the United States, due to his father's military service. He earned a degree in marketing from the University of South Florida before fully committing to his acting career.

From Soap Opera Co-Stars to Daytime TV Power Couple

The love story of Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos is the stuff of Hollywood legend, proving that love at first sight can lead to a lifetime of partnership. They met in 1995 on the set of *All My Children*, where they played love interests, Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan.

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The chemistry was undeniable, and their on-screen romance quickly blossomed into a real-life relationship. Just one year later, in May 1996, the couple eloped in Las Vegas. This famously spontaneous decision came just days after Consuelos proposed over pizza.

Their quick marriage has been a topic of discussion for nearly three decades, with Kelly Ripa often expressing happiness with their decision to bypass a long engagement.

In 2023, Consuelos officially joined his wife as the permanent co-host of the rebranded show, *Live with Kelly and Mark*, succeeding Ryan Seacrest. This move brought their professional and personal lives together in a way few celebrity couples ever experience. The transition was seamless, largely due to their natural rapport and long history of working together.

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The couple continues to make headlines in 2024. They were seen looking incredibly glamorous at the 2024 Oscars, showcasing their enduring style and partnership. They also recently opened up about the emotional experience of moving the *Live* show to a new studio, reflecting on the memories they built in the previous location.

The Surprising Secrets to Their 28-Year Marriage

How does a high-profile couple survive the pressures of Hollywood, co-parenting three children, and now co-hosting a daily talk show? The secret, according to Ripa and Consuelos, lies in a few surprising and unconventional rules.

1. The "Meat" Past That Keeps Things Spicy

Before his big break on *All My Children*, Mark Consuelos had a surprising side job: he was an exotic dancer. He went by the stage name "Meat." This little-known fact is something the couple occasionally jokes about, and it speaks to their ability to embrace and laugh about their pasts. This kind of open, non-judgmental communication is a cornerstone of their relationship.

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2. They Prioritize "Adult Time"

Despite their demanding schedules and the constant presence of their now-adult children, the couple is famously open about prioritizing their intimacy. Ripa has often spoken about the importance of their private life and ensuring they make time for each other, even when it requires planning. This dedication to their romantic life is often cited as a key factor in their enduring bond.

3. Consuelos is Her Biggest Cheerleader (and Critic)

Mark Consuelos is known for his unwavering support of Kelly Ripa's career, but he is also her most honest sounding board. Their dynamic on *Live* shows a healthy balance of playful banter and genuine admiration. He has publicly praised her talent and work ethic, stating that their nearly three decades of marriage are "still going strong."

4. The Generational Gray Hair Divide

In a hilarious and relatable moment, Kelly Ripa recently joked about "resenting" her husband for his easy aging process. She pointed out that while she struggles with the physical signs of aging, Consuelos has only just started getting a few gray hairs, which she says he finds "distinguished." This lighthearted, self-deprecating humor about their differences is a hallmark of their public and private relationship.

5. They Embraced the Empty Nest

With their three children—Michael, Lola, and Joaquin—now grown and out of the house, the couple has been open about enjoying their "empty nest" phase. This period has allowed them to focus on their relationship and their joint career on *Live*. They are often seen traveling, attending high-profile events like the Oscars, and simply enjoying each other’s company, proving that the next chapter of a marriage can be the most fulfilling.

The Consuelos Children: Following in Their Parents' Footsteps

Mark and Kelly are proud parents to three children who have all grown up in the public eye. Their children are a testament to their successful co-parenting.

• Michael Joseph Consuelos (27): The eldest, Michael, is also an actor and has even played a younger version of his father's *Riverdale* character, Hiram Lodge.
• Lola Grace Consuelos (23): Lola is a musician and has pursued a career in the arts, often sharing her music and creative projects online.
• Joaquin Antonio Consuelos (21): The youngest, Joaquin, is a college student and a wrestler. He is the first of their children to attend college outside of New York City.

The couple is vocal about their commitment to giving their children a normal upbringing despite their fame. They often share funny, relatable stories about their kids on the show, which resonates deeply with their audience and further solidifies their image as a down-to-earth family.

Mark Consuelos’s role as Kelly Ripa’s husband is just one part of his multifaceted identity as a successful actor, co-host, and father. His transition to co-hosting *Live* has only amplified his star power, proving that he is more than capable of holding his own alongside his powerhouse wife.