Kelly Ripa Thanks All My Children Casting Director for Life's Blessings

In a recent panel at 92Y in New York City, Kelly Ripa expressed her gratitude to casting director Judy Blye Wilson. This event, titled "All My Children at 55," was hosted by Andy Cohen and Susan Lucci. Ripa emphasized Wilson's significant role in her life and family.

During the discussion, Ripa said, "If I may add, without Judy, I would literally have nothing." She acknowledged that without Wilson’s contribution, she wouldn’t have met her husband, Mark Consuelos, or their children.

The Path That Brought Them Together

Ripa first met Consuelos during auditions in 1995. He was to take on the role of Mateo Santos, her character Hayley Vaughan's love interest. However, Wilson revealed that Consuelos was not the obvious choice initially. "The show’s executives couldn’t make a decision about Mark," she explained.

Wilson continued, "I brought Kelly into my office and showed her a black and white photo of him. Kelly really liked him." Wilson advocated for Consuelos throughout the process, which ultimately led to his casting. "Finally, I begged the producer, and it turned out to be one of the best parts I ever cast."

Chemistry Recognized by Peers

Others present during the auditions noted the chemistry between Ripa and Consuelos. Susan Lucci commented, "I was in the hair and makeup room watching them. We all thought, ‘Oh, get a room.’" Their connection was evident on screen.

Shortly after, Ripa and Consuelos began dating and eloped in Las Vegas in 1996. Now married for nearly 30 years, they have three grown children: Michael, 27, Lola, 23, and Joaquin, 21.

Marriage Insights from Ripa

Ripa shares her thoughts on sustaining a long-lasting marriage in interviews. "Going through ups and downs is normal," she said. "The key is not to panic." In a 2023 interview, Ripa likened marriage to a marathon rather than a sprint.

"A marathon means there will be challenges," she noted. "At mile 24, you might think, ‘I quit.’ But you have to push through." Ripa believes that most issues in relationships are surmountable. If partners breathe and focus, they often forget what they were initially fighting about.

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