Mila Kunis stepped in as a guest host on the daytime talk show “Live with Kelly and Mark” while Kelly Ripa takes time off to recover from gum graft surgery. This episode aired on July 29, and marked Kunis’s role as one of several celebrity co-hosts filling in for Ripa during her recovery.
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As the show opened, Kunis expressed her delight about the experience, admitting to Mark Consuelos, Ripa’s co-host and husband, that it was a new perspective for her. “It’s so fun to be on this side of things,” she remarked, recognising the unusual power that co-hosting gives her. “I can talk about anything I want, and it’s a bit too much power for one person to handle.”
Kunis also revealed that her husband, Ashton Kutcher, was present behind the scenes. The crowd responded with enthusiasm at this revelation, to which Kunis responded jokingly, “He’s really real, and he’s here.” She playfully acknowledged Kutcher, who waved from offstage, adding a warm touch to the show.
In a light-hearted segment titled “Stump Mark”, Kutcher joined in as Kunis attempted to discern the truth behind statements made by a fan caller. One statement claimed the caller had written a column for their local newspaper, while the other boasted of a fourth-place finish in a dainty contest. Upon hearing the details, Kunis leaned towards the newspaper claim being a lie, but they decided to consult their audience through an Instagram poll for the correct answer.
“Stump Kutcher” was not a title he fancied, jokingly deflecting the pressure with, “I have no idea.” Ultimately, the audience voted against Kunis’s initial instinct, leading to a humorous exchange when Consuelos decided to side with the majority. This decision turned out to be correct, showcasing the playful dynamic among the trio.
Kunis is the second guest host to join the show this week. Kevin Jonas filled in earlier on July 27 and 28, while Pamela Adlon and Scott Foley are scheduled to co-host on the following days. Consuelos had previously informed viewers that Ripa’s absence was due to a significant medical procedure.
Ripa, known for her vibrant presence on the show, underwent a gum graft surgery—a common dental operation intended to treat gum recession and sensitive teeth. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this procedure helps to protect against further gum problems and improve overall dental health.
Consuelos shared that, although Ripa is recovering well, she has been advised by doctors to avoid speaking during the initial phases of her recovery. This includes dietary restrictions limiting her to soft foods, prohibiting straws, and refraining from checking her surgical site.
On the following day, Consuelos reassured viewers that Ripa was on the mend and had sent her love to fans. “She’s feeling better,” he updated the audience, revealing that she had begun to communicate with certain words.
Live with Kelly and Mark airs on weekdays, offering audiences a blend of light-hearted banter and current affairs, packed with celebrity appearances and engaging segments. The show continues to evolve, welcoming an array of guest hosts while Ripa focuses on her recovery.