Anderson Cooper has always been one of Kelly Ripa's biggest fans, and he's not shy about showing it. The CNN news anchor recently took a moment to express just how much he admires his longtime friend and colleague. In a heartfelt message, Cooper shared some powerful words of praise for Ripa, celebrating her incredible career and the unique talent that makes her one of the most beloved figures in television today.
Kelly Ripa Joins the Prestigious Time100 List
At 53 years young, Kelly Ripa has achieved yet another milestone by being named to the prestigious 2024 Time100 list. This annual compilation recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary impacts across various fields. Anderson Cooper, who himself is no stranger to accolades at 56, couldn't help but heap praise on his dear friend. He wrote an inspiring piece for Time magazine, where he highlighted Ripa's unmatched ability to captivate audiences with her natural charm and wit on Live With Kelly and Mark.
Cooper's Perspective on Ripa's Talent
Anderson Cooper knows firsthand what it takes to succeed in live television. When he occasionally steps in as Ripa's cohost, he admits it takes him days to gather enough material for just one 15-minute segment. Yet, Ripa effortlessly delivers engaging stories and laughter day after day, month after month, for nearly two and a half decades. Doing all this live and without a script demands not only exceptional talent but also immense courage, determination, and hard work.
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In Cooper's own words, "Kelly has been nailing those day after day, month after month, for almost 24 years now, regaling us with entertaining stories, making us laugh and sharing the ups and downs of her public and private life. Doing that on live television — without a script — takes remarkable talent, not to mention guts, grit, hard work and heart."
A Broadcasting Icon
Anderson Cooper, author of Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty, believes wholeheartedly that Kelly Ripa deserves her place among the greatest broadcasters in television history. Her current partnership with her husband, Mark Consuelos, has proven to be a winning combination. Cooper points out that audiences are drawn to the genuine chemistry between the couple, who have raised three wonderful children together. The ratings reflect this, showing steady growth, and Cooper insists that Ripa has never been better.
Mark Consuelos' Journey as Co-Host
Mark Consuelos, also 53 and best known for his role in Riverdale, marked his first full year as Kelly Ripa's cohost with a memorable celebration. Reflecting on the experience, he told Deadline, "I have to say it’s probably the fastest year of my life." Cooper has watched this transformation closely, noting how Consuelos has seamlessly integrated into the world of daytime television, bringing his own unique flair and perspective to the show.
The numbers don't lie; Live has seen a significant increase in viewership compared to the previous year. This success is a testament to the strong connection Ripa and Consuelos have built with their audience. Kelly attributes much of this to the authenticity of their on-screen relationship. She reflects, "I do think that there is something very possibly relatable about our relationship. We have disagreements like a normal couple, and we’re not afraid to let them unfold on the air and in front of America, and I think people find a lot of themselves in that."
Mark Consuelos: A Bold and Unapologetic Voice
As an Emmy-winning host, Kelly Ripa is incredibly proud of how her husband has adapted to the challenges of hosting a successful talk show. She describes Mark as "utterly compelling, really interesting, super funny, and he’s bold in a way like nobody else." His willingness to speak his mind without worrying about public opinion sets him apart in today's cautious media landscape. Ripa explains, "If he’s thinking it, he says it. I’ve done this a long time and oftentimes people will adjust their natural personalities to pander to what they think the audience wants to hear, and Mark will tell people what he thinks, and he doesn’t care if it’s not a popular opinion. It gives him an edginess that I think is really missing in the landscape today. Everybody’s so afraid to say anything, and Mark is unafraid to say exactly what he’s thinking."
