‘Live’ Co-Workers Admit What It Is Like Working With Kelly Ripa

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos - Live

While it is easy to judge a book by its cover, what fans see daily on the Live is often carefully curated. An entire team works together to choreograph the fun-filled morning events. Mark Consuelos joins his wife, Kelly Ripa to turn out fabulous morning wake-ups with exciting twists and comical jabs. But what is Kelly like when she leaves the stage? Recently, Live With Kelly And Mark co-workers have confessed what it is like to work with the host, Kelly Ripa, behind the scenes.

Kelly Ripa Has Outlasted Several Co-Hosts

Undeniably, Kelly Ripa has worked on Live since 2001, giving her co-workers plenty of time to figure out who she is on and off camera. Notably, she has outlasted several co-hosts, Regis Philbin (2001–2011), Michael Strahan (2012–2016), Ryan Seacrest (2017–2023), and now her husband, Mark Consuelos (April 2023-present) works by her side. Both Mark and Kelly keep high energy with their job as co-hosts. Unmistakably, America adores the fun-loving couple. They even won a Daytime Emmy Award earlier this year. Seemingly, they are always joking, playing games, having friendly banter, and even sorting out marital woes during the show. But what is Kelly like off-stage?

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos - Live
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos – Live

Kelly Ripa Gives Kudos To Her ‘Chief-Of-Staff’

Furthermore, Kelly Ripa tries to give kudos to her staff frequently. Notably, she recently paid tribute to her assistant, Lauren Travaglione, on her birthday by posting a picture of her daughter, Lola Consuelos, embracing her. Likewise, Kelly told People, that Lauren, who she calls her “Chief-of-Staff” is a wonderful support. Kelly says, she “has picked me up off the floor physically and said, ‘Put your lipstick on and go do the show.'”

But she also called her out on the show and jokingly mentioned she snatched her up right out of college before she could figure out there were better options elsewhere. When Mark Consuelos and Kelly put her on the spot, she waved frantically when Kelly joked she would give her airtime to be “discovered.” While they laugh about hiring their assistants for being “pretty” both Mark and Kelly seem to appreciate them very much. And Lauren and Grant played along very well during the episode.

Their assistants, Lauren and Grant. - Live
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ assistants, Lauren and Grant. – Live

Co-Workers Admit What It Is Like Working With Kelly Ripa

However, when Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos aren’t cracking jokes and trying viral challenges, what is it really like to work with Kelly when the cameras aren’t rolling?

Recently, some of her co-workers pulled back the curtain and opened up it not being all fun and games. Live producer Elyssa Shapiro Hessler recalls there was a time when her daughter was sick and had a fever. She had gone to work but found out the situation escalated and her daughter began to have a seizure. Kelly, unaware, politely called to invite her to lunch, but Elyssa said, “I’m in an ambulance, actually, going to the hospital; Devin’s had a seizure.” Instead of offering mild condolences for the shocking event, Elyssa says, “And Kelly was like, ‘What hospital are you going to? I’ll meet you there.'”

They always look for new ways to keep the show entertaining. - Live
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos always look for new ways to keep the show entertaining. – Live

But Elyssa Shapiro Hessler wasn’t the only co-worker to add their thoughts. Another Live With Kelly And Mark producer, Donna Bass, said, “Kelly sets that bar. She makes sure we have enough vacation.” Further adding, “When her mom needs her, she rips down the Garden State Parkway and makes sure she’s there for her mom. She holds that bar high and inspires us to do the same and gives us the freedom to let us know that we can.”

Mark Consuelos Weighs In

Undoubtedly, Mark Consuelos may be a little biased, but he also has many great things to say about Kelly Ripa. According to E! News he complimented her work ethic and knew that she was a dedicated employee. But after working together his eyes are even more open, he adds, “But not until I had to do it everyday. She works really, really, really hard.” But he says off-camera is a little different. He explains, “At home, we’re very different.” Mark confesses, “We’re very relaxed—it’s a very casual environment. We always say that when we go to work, we see each other looking really gussied up.”

Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa - Live
Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa – Live

She Is A Great Person To Work With

Seemingly, Kelly Ripa spreads sunshine everywhere she goes. While there may be a few scuffles here and there, she inherently tries to be professional and caring. Unmistakably, it is wonderful to hear from co-workers that Kelly is invested in them as people. She is supportive and tries to find ways to show her staff she cares. Admittedly, she sees people as family, not just colleagues. She says, “We are really the definition of work family.” Further adding, details about many of her female co-workers in a “Moms’ Tribute”, “Our triumphs are group triumphs and our tragedies are group tragedies. We’re victorious together but we also get down in the mud together. It’s a special group of women who I treasure.” They bond as moms and friends as they face challenges and joys.

 

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What do you think about how Kelly Ripa is described by her co-worker? Do you think she is the same on and off camera? Are you enjoying seeing Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa run Live? Drop your comments below.

Bonnie Kaiser-Gambill

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