Kelly Ripa

Kelly Ripa is one of the most notable names in American media. An accomplished actor, presenter, journalist, and dancer, Ripa has been a fixture on American screens since the late 1980s. Her roles in classic programmes such as All My Children and Hope and Faith endeared her to audiences. Since 2000, she has become famous for co-hosting the award-winning talk show Live!, working alongside the likes of Regis Philbin, Michael Strahan, and Ryan Seacrest. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, has won an Emmy, and several Daytime Emmys.

Ripa was born in New Jersey and began studying ballet aged just three years old. After almost pursuing a career in psychology, she decided to become an actor and got her first break in 1986, appearing on the popular reality show Dancin’ on Air. In 1990, she was cast in landmark US soap opera All My Children, going on to play the role of Hayley Vaughan for 12 years. In 2003, she was cast as Faith in the ABC sitcom Hope & Faith, appearing in over 70 episodes. Much in demand as herself, she has become a cultural icon, making cameos in the likes of Family Guy, Ugly Betty, and Hannah Montana.

Behind the cameras, Ripa is co-founder of production company Milojo along with her husband. Among Milojo’s productions is The Bensonhurst Spelling Bee, a collaboration with Will Ferrell’s Funny or Die website, which has amassed over 1 million views. For many years, Ripa has closely aligned with Swedish home appliance brand Electrolux, appearing in advertising campaigns and working with them to raise funds in the fight against ovarian cancer.