Ever wondered where Kelly Ripa gets her effervescent charm and magnetic personality? Well, buckle up because we’re about to introduce you to the man behind the magic—her dad, Joseph Ripa! If you’ve been tuning into Live with Kelly and Ryan or her game show Generation Gap, you’ve probably caught glimpses of this beloved figure. Fans have fallen head over heels for the heartwarming father-daughter dynamic between Kelly and Joe, and it’s easy to see why.
Who Is Joseph Ripa, Really?
Joseph Ripa wasn’t always in the spotlight. Born on July 3, 1939, in Camden County, New Jersey, he carved out a life far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. A proud Rutgers University graduate, Joseph served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army before embarking on a career in public transportation as a bus driver. His journey didn’t stop there—he became deeply involved in union organizations, eventually becoming a member of the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority. In June 2009, Joseph was appointed county clerk in Camden County, proving that he’s not just a family man but also a dedicated public servant.
Meet Joseph Ripa’s Better Half: Esther Ripa
Behind every great man is an even greater woman, and Joseph Ripa’s story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning his wife, Esther Ripa. The couple tied the knot in 1967, and their union has been nothing short of legendary. They welcomed their first child, Kelly, in 1970, followed by another daughter, Linda Ripa, who prefers to stay out of the limelight. Together, Joseph and Esther have raised two remarkable daughters and now enjoy the joy of being grandparents. They’re proud grandparents to Linda’s son, Sergio, and Kelly’s trio of kids—Michael, Lola, and Joaquin—all of whom she shares with her husband, Mark Consuelos. These days, the couple calls Voorhees Township, New Jersey, home, a cozy locale just a stone’s throw away from Kelly and Mark’s NYC townhouse.
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Joseph Ripa: The TV Star Dad
Joseph Ripa isn’t just a family man—he’s also a television sensation! Since 2022, Kelly has been hosting the game show Generation Gap, and her dad has become the show’s secret weapon. With his quirky humor and undeniable charisma, Joseph has quickly become a fan favorite. Kelly herself admitted during a July 2022 episode of Live that her dad’s appearances give the show a significant ratings boost. “People just go crazy when Joe Ripa comes on,” Kelly shared with a laugh. “I don’t follow ratings, but there’s definitely a surge when he’s on.”
One of the show’s most beloved segments features Joseph attempting to sing snippets of famous songs. The challenge? Contestants must guess the tune based solely on his spoken-word renditions. It’s a riotous segment that’s become a highlight of the series. “He tells me my sister calls him to give him voice lessons because she’s not satisfied with his interpretations,” Kelly joked. “Welcome to the world of television, where everyone’s a critic!”
But Joseph’s TV appearances aren’t limited to Generation Gap. Longtime fans of Live with Kelly and Ryan might recall his unforgettable cooking segment from November 2018, where he taught Kelly and Ryan Seacrest how to whip up his famous chicken recipe. The audience couldn’t stop laughing at his witty remarks, proving that Kelly didn’t just inherit her charm from her dad—she also got his sense of humor!
