If you’ve watched Live with Kelly and Mark lately, you know the vibe has shifted. It’s no longer just Kelly Ripa and a rotating door of guest hosts; it’s a full-on family affair with Mark Consuelos holding down the seat next to her. But for long-time fans, the real curiosity isn't about the parents. It’s about the kids. Specifically, the "what happened to Kelly Ripa son" question usually refers to either Michael, the eldest who seems to be his father's twin, or Joaquin, the youngest who recently hit a major life milestone that officially turned Kelly and Mark into "empty nesters."
Honestly, it’s kinda wild to think that the kids we saw in grainy talk-show photos years ago are now fully grown adults navigating the real world.
The Evolution of Michael Consuelos: Not Just a Riverdale Cameo
Michael is 28 now. Let that sink in. For anyone wondering what he’s been up to, he hasn't just been sitting around NYC living off his parents' $120 million net worth. He’s been putting in the work.
Most people recognize him from his role on Riverdale, where he played the younger version of his dad’s character, Hiram Lodge. It was a "light bulb" moment for a lot of viewers because the resemblance is honestly uncanny. But Michael didn't want to just be "Mark’s son." He graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and has been quietly building a resume as an actor, writer, and producer.
As of 2026, Michael has moved beyond the CW. He’s been involved in a high-profile scripted audio series with his parents—basically a modern take on the soap operas where Kelly and Mark first met. He’s also living in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Kelly often jokes on air about his "real-world" struggles, like when he was first starting out and had to actually budget.
He's basically the blueprint for the rest of the siblings. He stayed in New York, went to film school, and proved that the Consuelos kids have a legitimate work ethic.
What Happened to Joaquin Consuelos? The Michigan Chapter
If Michael is the NYC filmmaker, Joaquin is the athlete-turned-actor who broke the family tradition by leaving the city.
Joaquin, who is now 22, just graduated from the University of Michigan in May 2025. This was a huge deal for the family. Kelly and Mark spent the last four years basically living as honorary Michiganders, frequently spotted in Ann Arbor for wrestling meets. Joaquin was a member of the Wolverine wrestling team, a grueling sport that Kelly often admitted made her nervous.
The "Light Bulb" Moment in Ann Arbor
Something interesting happened during his time in the Midwest. Joaquin didn't initially go to school for acting. He was there for the wrestling. But according to Joaquin himself, a "light bulb moment" occurred when he had to step in for an audition on behalf of his brother Michael.
He didn't get that specific part, but the experience changed his trajectory. He ended up studying at Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. By the time he graduated in 2025, he was starring in productions like A Few Good Men.
Dealing with Dyslexia
One of the most inspiring parts of Joaquin’s story—and something Kelly has been very open about—is his journey with learning disabilities. Joaquin has dyslexia and dysgraphia. Kelly has often described him as a "hard worker" who had to approach school differently. Seeing him walk across that graduation stage in 2025 was a massive victory for the family. It wasn't just a degree; it was proof that his early struggles didn't define his future.
Where are they now? Life in 2026
So, what is the current status?
The "empty nest" is very real for Kelly and Mark. Joaquin has officially moved out and is currently debating between Los Angeles and New York to kickstart his professional acting career. Kelly recently shared that they had a "mother-son dinner date" where they talked about adult things—like where to live and how to handle the industry.
- Michael (28): Living in Brooklyn, working on acting and production.
- Lola (24): Living between London and NYC, pursuing a career in music (she recently released her debut EP).
- Joaquin (22): New graduate, transitioning from college athlete to professional actor.
There was some internet chatter a while back about "something bad happening" or a "major life change." Usually, that’s just Kelly and Mark’s classic sense of humor being taken out of context. For example, they recently joked about "cutting" their kids out of certain family traditions now that they’re adults, which some tabloids spun into drama. In reality, the family is closer than ever.
Key Insights for Fans
If you're following the Consuelos kids' journey, keep an eye on the credits of upcoming indie films and Broadway shows.
- Watch the credits: Michael is moving more into writing and directing, not just acting.
- The Michigan Legacy: Joaquin might be done with college, but the family still supports Michigan athletics—expect to see them in the stands occasionally.
- Independence is the goal: Kelly and Mark have been very clear that their kids don't have a "free ride." They’re expected to earn their way, which is why you see Michael living in Brooklyn and Lola working the music scene in London.
The reality of "what happened" is actually pretty boring in a good way: they grew up. They graduated. They got jobs. They're just three young adults trying to figure out how to be more than just "the kids of those famous morning show hosts."
If you're looking to follow their careers more closely, the best place is actually Live with Kelly and Mark. Kelly literally can't help but share updates, and Mark usually chimes in with a "dad joke" or a proud comment about their latest projects. It's a rare Hollywood success story where the kids seem well-adjusted, hardworking, and genuinely liked by their peers.