Mark Consuelos' Surprising Revelation About a Toddler's Outing to Hooters
Shonda RhimesProlific television creator ("Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal") and author on creativity and empowerment.
During a recent broadcast, Mark Consuelos, the well-known talk show host and actor, shared a rather unexpected story that left audiences amused and his wife, Kelly Ripa, playfully bewildered. He revealed that, years ago, he once brought his then-toddler son to a Hooters restaurant, an admission that sparked laughter and disbelief from both Ripa and the studio audience.
The humorous confession emerged during a segment on their show, “Live With Kelly and Mark,” as Ripa light-heartedly questioned Consuelos about his dating prospects following the announced closure of a Hooters establishment in Queens, New York City. Consuelos, embracing the jest, feigned lament for the loss of the restaurant's famous chicken wings, adding a touch of comedic flair to the conversation.
Ripa then delved into the specifics of the surprising outing, recounting how she and other mothers were initially taken aback by the fathers' choice of a playdate venue. She vividly described the moment Consuelos and another dad returned home with their sons, noting the distinct smell of cigarette smoke clinging to them—a detail that highlighted how long ago the event took place, as their son, Michael, is now 28, but was merely four years old at the time of the Hooters visit.
Consuelos, keen to clarify, insisted that the idea for the unconventional outing was not his own, but rather stemmed from the other father, whom he described as a "wildcard." He recalled the moment of suggestion, expressing his initial surprise but eventual agreement to the plan. Ripa, still amused by the memory, reiterated the fact that their children had indeed been taken to Hooters, concluding that the entire experience was "crazy."
This candid exchange is characteristic of the couple's dynamic on "Live," where their personal lives often become fodder for entertaining discussions. Earlier that week, for instance, a conversation about Consuelos's previously admitted preference for morning intimacy became a topic of playful inquiry from a guest. Consuelos jokingly attributed a decline in such activities to the demands of his job, underscoring the lighthearted and open nature of their on-screen interactions.
The couple, who first met and fell in love on the set of “All My Children” in 1996, frequently discuss their family life, including their three children, Michael, Lola, and Joaquin. These personal anecdotes offer viewers a glimpse into their lives, fostering a sense of connection and relatability with their audience.

