Let’s talk about where Kelly Ripa gets her spark! The bubbly personality we’ve all come to adore didn’t just appear out of thin air. Kelly, the beloved host of "Live With Kelly and Ryan" (now "Live With Kelly and Mark"), has introduced us to her dad, Joseph Ripa, and let me tell you, he’s just as much of a character as she is. Fans have fallen in love watching their warm, playful father-daughter moments unfold on screen.
Who Is Kelly Ripa’s Dad, Joseph Ripa?
Joseph Ripa wasn’t always in the spotlight, but his life story is fascinating nonetheless. Born on July 3, 1939, in Camden County, New Jersey, Joseph grew up in a modest environment. After graduating from Rutgers University, he took a noble path by serving in the U.S. Army. Once his military service concluded, Joseph embarked on a career in public transportation, where he worked as a bus driver. This wasn't just a job for him; it became a career that shaped his life and values.
Joseph didn’t stop there. Over the years, he immersed himself in union organizations and eventually became a member of the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority. In June 2009, his contributions were recognized when he was appointed the county clerk in Camden County. Talk about dedication and hard work!
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Who Is Joseph Ripa’s Wife?
Joseph’s journey wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the love of his life, Esther Ripa. The couple tied the knot in 1967, and their union has been a beautiful one ever since. They welcomed their first child, Kelly, in 1970, and later added another daughter, Linda Ripa, who prefers to keep her life out of the limelight. Joseph and Esther are now proud grandparents to Linda’s son, Sergio, and Kelly’s trio of children—Michael, Lola, and Joaquin, all of whom she shares with her husband, Mark Consuelos. The entire family resides close to each other, with Joseph and Esther living in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, just a short drive away from Kelly and Mark’s NYC townhouse.
Joseph Ripa's TV Stardom
Now here’s where things get really interesting. Kelly Ripa has been hosting the game show Generation Gap since 2022, and her dad, Joseph, has stolen the show with his hilarious appearances. Fans have embraced Joseph as the unofficial star of the series. Kelly herself admitted that having her dad on the show gives it a unique boost.
“I don’t follow ratings—I never have—but there seems to be this noticeable uptick when Joe Ripa comes on,” Kelly revealed during a July 2022 episode of Live. “People are glued to the screen. It’s like magic!”
One of the show’s standout segments is called “What Is Joe Ripa Trying to Sing?” In this hilarious segment, Joseph reads song lyrics, and contestants try to guess which tune he’s attempting to perform. It’s a riot!
“He tells me my sister calls him to give him voice lessons because she’s not satisfied with his spoken-word renditions,” Kelly joked. “Welcome to the world of television, where everyone’s a critic!”
Longtime viewers of Live might also recall Joseph’s iconic cooking segment from November 2018, where he taught Kelly and Ryan Seacrest how to make his famous chicken recipe. The audience couldn’t stop laughing at his witty remarks, proving that Kelly inherited her dad’s sense of humor. Joseph Ripa truly lights up the screen with his charm and humor, making him a beloved figure in the world of entertainment.
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