Kelly Ripa had been performing in her senior high school play, The Ugly Duckling, when she was approached by her current manager, Cathy Parker, who encouraged her to pursue acting. After attending new Jersey's Camden County Community College, she performed in local theater productions before joining All My Children in November, 1990. Kelly has received nominations for a 1993 Daytime Emmy Award and a 1993 Soap Opera Award. Kelly, is the first in her family to enter the acting profession. She had studied ballet since age three, plays the piano and, in her words, is "no Barbra Streisand", but can carry a tune.



"Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" (1989): $36,000 per episode [Five Year Contract for that salary from 2004 to 2009]

Married her "All My Children" (1970) co-star, Mark Consuelos, on May 1, 1996. They have three children: Michael Joseph, June 2, 1997, Lola Grace, June 16, 2001, 8lbs 3oz. and Joaquin Antonio, February 24, 2003, 8lbs 5oz. During the 80s, when Kelly appeared on "Dance Party USA" (1986), her career goal was to be a newscaster, and she often did "Dance Party USA" (1986) cast news reports. Kelly regularly chooses to host entire episodes of "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" (1989) barefoot. Named one of E!'s "top 20 entertainers of 2001." Her father, Joe, was sworn in (6th January 2004) as the County Freeholder for Camden County in the state of New Jersey. The ceremony took place at the Scottish Rites Auditorium in the New Jersey city of Collingswood. She grew up in the nearby town of Voorhees. She and her husband, Mark Consuelos, attended Star Jones' wedding to Al Reynolds. She and her husband, Mark Consuelos, attended Donald Trump's wedding to Melania Trump. Sister of Linda Ripa. Ranked as #85 in FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005" special supplement. (2005) In September 2006, she was involved in two attempts to break the Guinness World Record for Most Custard Pies Thrown in One Minute during segments on "Live with Regis & Kelly". She was on the receiving end when NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth initially broke the record with 17 pies thrown. The following day, Kelly herself broke that record, throwing 22 pies at Wilmer Valderrama. Named #81 in FHM magazine's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2006" supplement. (2006). Ranked #85 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2007 list. Good friend of her "Hope & Faith" (2003) co-star Faith Ford. Actor/director Chris Bruno is the godfather of her and Mark Consuelos' first child, Michael Joseph Consuelos. Cousin of Steve Ripa.