Mark Consuelos shared heartbreaking news with viewers Monday morning, revealing that his father, Saul Consuelos, has passed away after a long illness.
Fighting back tears at the top of Live With Kelly and Mark, the actor opened up about the loss, which happened while he and wife Kelly Ripa were on a brief hiatus from the show.
“Two weeks ago today, my father passed away after a long bout with an illness,” Consuelos said. “He passed away peacefully. Such a fascinating man.”
The emotional moment quickly turned into a touching tribute, as both Consuelos and Ripa reflected on the life and legacy of a man they say meant everything to their family.
Ripa, who was married to Consuelos’ son for nearly 30 years, shared how deeply Saul impacted her life.
“I only got to know my father-in-law for 31 years,” she said. “But they were the best 31 years of my life. I will miss him every day… He was the greatest person I’ve ever known.”
Consuelos then shared powerful memories of his father, describing him as a hardworking immigrant who built a remarkable life in America.
Saul came to the United States from Mexico as a teenager and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy for 30 years, eventually working in special operations command in Tampa. Along the way, he pursued his education, earned a master’s degree, and instilled strong values in his children.
“I learned the most just by watching him,” Consuelos said. “Watching the man he was.”
He called his father a true example of the American dream — someone who came to the country with little and built a meaningful life through dedication and hard work.
The loss has hit especially hard for the couple’s three children, as it marks the first major loss they’ve experienced in their lives.
Ripa also revealed just how involved Saul was behind the scenes, often stepping in to help care for their kids when work pulled them away.
“Your dad would come with us and take care of the kids so I could go to work,” she said. “He gave us so much.”
Consuelos shared that he was able to travel and say goodbye to his father before he passed — something he’s deeply grateful for.
Now, the focus turns to supporting his mother, with the couple even joking about convincing her to move closer to them in New York.
Despite the grief, Consuelos said returning to work — including rehearsals for his Broadway role in Fallen Angels — has helped him cope during an incredibly difficult time.
“I feel like he’s there watching,” he said.
A representative for Consuelos later confirmed that, out of respect for his father’s private nature, the family is choosing not to share additional details beyond what was said on air.
My condolences go to the family!! RIP