Mark Consuelos, co-host of the daytime programme ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’, recently gathered his fans and followers to share the somber news regarding the passing of his father, Saul Consuelos. Saul passed away peacefully on 23 March, a loss that has deeply affected Mark and his family. The announcement was made during the live broadcast on 6 April, where Mark reflected on the profound impact his father had on his life.
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During the heartfelt tribute, Mark conveyed his sorrow and spoke of the close-knit family relationship they maintained. His wife, Kelly Ripa, who co-hosted the segment, described Saul as “the greatest person” she had ever known. She expressed her grief, stating, “I can honestly say I will miss him every day for the rest of my life, as I know you will, as our children will. He really is so symbolic of everything you are.” Ripa’s remarks highlighted Saul’s crucial role not only in Mark’s life but also in the lives of his grandchildren.
Saul Consuelos, originally from Mexico, was an immigrant who moved to the United States as a teenager. Mark spoke fondly of his father’s journey, noting that Saul served in the military for 30 years and eventually attained a significant educational milestone by earning a master’s degree. Mark proudly shared that his father was a brilliant man who valued education and was committed to lifelong learning, often educating himself while simultaneously managing family responsibilities.
In addition to his father’s legacy, Mark also revealed insights about his mother, Camilla Consuelos. Raised in Italy, Camilla played an integral role in the upbringing of her children and has remained active in the lives of her grandchildren. Mark’s sister, Adriana Consuelos, also commemorated their parents on social media, praising their dedication and influence on her own family, referring to Saul as her hero and noting Camilla’s fundamental role in their children’s upbringing.
Kelly Ripa reminisced on the show about how intimately involved Saul was with their family. During times when Mark was away for work, Saul would step in to help care for their children, showcasing a deep familial bond and responsibility. The Consuelos family’s dynamic was characterised by their mutual support and close relationships, a testament to the love and dedication Saul and Camilla shared.
Mark took the opportunity to reflect on the invaluable lessons he learned from his father, explaining that Saul often took the time to teach him practical skills, from home repairs to philosophical insights. “It’s funny, I used to make a joke about my dad — if you asked him what time it was, he would tell you how to build a watch,” said Mark. This humorous comment underscored the comprehensive knowledge his father passed down, all of which Mark has cherished and continues to implement in his own life.
The days following Saul’s passing have been a challenging period for the Consuelos family. Mark indicated that support for his mother Camilla has become a priority, with the family now focused on nurturing her during her grief. In light of this loss, he cheekily suggested that Camilla might start a cooking segment on their show, hoping to entice her to New York.
Mark also shared that he had the chance to say farewell to his father just before rehearsing for his Broadway show, ‘Fallen Angels’. He described the production as a “welcomed distraction” that allowed him to stay occupied during an emotionally turbulent time. He expressed a sense of continuity, stating that he felt his father’s presence during the performances, which brought him a measure of solace.
As the Consuelos family navigates this difficult period, they will undoubtedly lean on the values instilled by Saul. His legacy of love, commitment, and support will continue to resonate within the family, guiding them through the healing process. The outpouring of love and respect from both Mark and Kelly during the broadcast serves as a reminder of the everlasting impact that family and honouring one’s heritage can have in shaping one’s life.