Kelly Ripa is reflecting on her 25 years with the daytime talk show Live, and hinting that her time as a host may not be indefinite. In a recent interview with Decider, Ripa, 52, acknowledged the show’s enduring appeal but stated she doesn’t plan to work “for the rest of my life.”
“I always say this job and this place is so special, that I really do believe in this show as a franchise,” Ripa said. “It’s a franchise show. Before me, there was Regis [Philbin] and Kathie Lee [Gifford]. And before Kathie Lee, there was Regis and a myriad of other hosts.”
Ripa believes the show has a future beyond her tenure. “I believe this show will continue on for as long as linear television exists. I believe that there are too many talented people out there that really deserve the opportunity to find their own audience and grow the audience the way they see fit. Because I don’t intend to work for the rest of my life. I really do not.”
While she hasn’t set a firm departure date, Ripa envisions a smooth transition for the show. “I think we’ll all make that decision when the time comes. I think there’s a way to sort of get new people on board and have them test co-hosts, and get the audience used to other people. I think it’s important. I love this show too much to see it sort of ever end with us,” she explained.
Ripa’s journey with Live began in 2001, when she was invited by Regis Philbin to audition as a replacement for Kathie Lee Gifford. A memorable moment during her audition, as reported by the Toronto Sun, may have solidified her position. Psychic Char Margolis, appearing on the show, spoke of Ripa’s late grandmother and predicted the imminent arrival of a baby.
Margolis stated, “It’s soon, it’s not far away,” referring to the pregnancy. When pressed by Philbin, Ripa nervously admitted she hadn’t yet shared the news with her employer about her pregnancy with daughter Lola Consuelos, while simultaneously working on the soap opera All My Children. She and husband Mark Consuelos would later welcome a son, Joaquin.
Ripa attributes her longevity with the show, in part, to a risk-averse nature. “I think the risk-averse quality I have is probably the reason I stayed with the same job for so long,” she told Cristina Cuomo in a recent interview with The Purist. “Other offers come along, but I like to stick with what I know.”
Currently co-hosting with her husband Mark Consuelos, Ripa emphasized their strong working relationship, which began almost 30 years ago on the set of All My Children. “We met almost 30 years ago working together, and we always had a great working relationship,” she said. “I love Mark more than I can articulate. He’s a proper person. He’s just a gentleman.”
Despite contemplating retirement, Ripa remains committed to delivering the show’s signature upbeat programming. “Our job when we come on the air, we are fully cognizant that the viewers at home have had five hours of news programming. So we try to bring them a lighter, less anxiety-inducing side of what the headlines have to offer,” she told Decider.
Live with Kelly and Mark airs weekday mornings in syndication and is filmed in New York City.
