Kelly Ripa jokes about Disney Legend title as she gives shoutout to 'smoking hot husband' Mark Consuelos
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA: On August 11, at the dazzling D23 event in Anaheim, California, iconic talk show host Kelly Ripa received one of Disney's highest honors, Disney Legend, recognizing those who have made a significant impact on the company.
In a heartwarming twist, Ryan Seacrest, Ripa’s former cohost, presented the award to her. Seacrest, who left 'Live with Kelly and Ryan' last year, was succeeded by Ripa's husband, Mark Consuelos.
Kelly Ripa owes meeting her 'smoking hot husband' to Disney
Ripa, 53, delivered a memorable acceptance speech filled with humor and gratitude.
“Thank you so much, and Ryan, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m just so glad that you finally found something else to host,” she teased, referencing Seacrest’s endless list of hosting gigs.
She continued, expressing her disbelief and excitement, “This feels surreal for me, and I want to thank Bob Iger for this truly magical experience.” With a nod to their long friendship, Ripa quipped, “I’ve known Bob for incidentally 35 years, and he has not aged a day. So I just want to know what ride that is.”
At the D23 event on August 11, the beloved talk show host was celebrated for her remarkable influence on the company. As Seacrest, her former cohost, presented her with the honor, Ripa brought her trademark humor to the stage.
She began with a playful jab, “I know what you’re thinking. Why her? What has she ever done? She doesn’t even go here,” she joked. “But to you, I say, you sound just like my family.”
Ripa also paid heartfelt tribute to the Walt Disney Company, reflecting on how it has shaped her life both personally and professionally. “I owe everything to Disney,” she said, revealing that she met her “smoking hot husband” Mark Consuelos on the set of 'All My Children.'
The couple, who share three children — sons Michael and Joaquin, and daughter Lola — were humorously described by Ripa as having been “made” in the “Disney labs.”
She concluded her speech with a nostalgic nod to her childhood, recalling a special trip to Walt Disney World her father took the family on.
Kelly Ripa's 38 years of TV career
The American actress and talk show host was celebrated with the title of Disney Legend, a prestigious honor recognizing her impressive three-decade television career.
From gaining recognition as a dancer on 'Dancin' On Air,' she transitioned to acting with a notable role as Hayley Vaughan on the soap opera breakthrough role on 'All My Children' to nearly 25 years of hosting 'Live!', Ripa’s contributions to the entertainment world were duly acknowledged.
The ceremony also honored a stellar roster of other Disney Legends, including Miley Cyrus, Angela Bassett, Colleen Atwood, Martha Blanding, James L Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.
Ripa became co-host of 'Live! with Regis and Kelly' in February 2001, following Kathie Lee Gifford's departure. She has continued to host the show through various formats, including 'Live! with Kelly and Ryan' and now 'Live! with Kelly and Mark,' since her husband Mark Consuelos joined her as co-host in 2023.
As of now, Ripa has been on television for 38 years, with over 23 years specifically on the Live! franchise, as per US Weekly.
Ryan Seacrest, who presented Ripa with the award, highlighted the significance of the honor in a video announcing this year’s inductees.
He described the Disney Legend title as the “highest honor the Walt Disney Company can bestow,” reserved for those who have “defined Disney, pushed the envelope of creativity, challenged conventional wisdom, and broken the restraints of the status quo in search of new possibilities and excellence.”
