Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Celebrate Son Joaquin's Broadway Debut

The couple joked they thought they 'failed as parents' when their youngest child first expressed interest in drama school.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:22pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of luxurious, shimmering theater curtains bathed in dramatic, high-contrast lighting, conveying the glamour and energy of a Broadway opening night.The Consuelos family celebrates Joaquin's Broadway debut, a milestone that highlights the enduring allure of live theater.Asbury Park Today

Days after their son Joaquin's Broadway debut in the revival of 'Death of a Salesman', Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos opened up on 'Live with Kelly and Mark' about initially doubting their parenting when Joaquin first expressed interest in attending drama school. However, the couple said they were 'remarkable' to watch Joaquin land the role and make his Broadway bow, proving them wrong.

Why it matters

Ripa and Consuelos' candid comments about their doubts and ultimate pride in their son's accomplishments resonate with many parents who may struggle to support their children's unconventional career paths. Joaquin's success also highlights the continued appeal of live theater, especially for younger audiences.

The details

Joaquin Consuelos, 23, graduated from the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance in May 2025. He then booked a role in the acclaimed Broadway revival of 'Death of a Salesman', playing the younger version of the character Biff. His parents, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, admitted they were initially skeptical when Joaquin first expressed interest in drama school, with Ripa joking they thought they 'failed as parents.' However, they said it was 'remarkable' to see Joaquin make his Broadway debut, with Consuelos calling it 'pretty wild' to witness.

  • Joaquin Consuelos graduated from the University of Michigan in May 2025.
  • Joaquin made his Broadway debut in the 'Death of a Salesman' revival on April 9, 2026.
  • Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos discussed Joaquin's Broadway debut on the April 13, 2026 episode of 'Live with Kelly and Mark'.

The players

Kelly Ripa

A television host, actress, and producer, best known for co-hosting the syndicated morning talk show 'Live with Kelly and Mark' with her husband, Mark Consuelos.

Mark Consuelos

An actor known for his role on the soap opera 'All My Children', where he met his wife Kelly Ripa. He is also set to make his Broadway debut in the play 'Fallen Angels' in April 2026.

Joaquin Consuelos

The youngest child of Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, who recently made his Broadway debut in the revival of 'Death of a Salesman'.

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What they’re saying

“To get any job was, like, inconceivable to us. I mean, we were just like, 'You're going to have to get a job.'”

— Kelly Ripa, Television Host

“It was just, like, remarkable for us to watch.”

— Kelly Ripa, Television Host

“It's 'not lost' on me that it took 30-plus years to land my big moment on the Great White Way.”

— Mark Consuelos, Actor

What’s next

Joaquin Consuelos' Broadway debut in 'Death of a Salesman' is expected to run through the summer of 2026. His parents, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, will likely continue to support him and celebrate his success on their talk show and social media.

The takeaway

Ripa and Consuelos' story highlights the challenges and rewards of supporting children's unconventional career paths, as well as the enduring appeal of live theater for a new generation of performers and audiences.