Kelly Ripa once again took on the persona of Elizabeth Holmes, the infamous founder of Theranos, during a Halloween-themed episode of her daytime talk show, Live with Kelly and Mark, on 30th October. This occasion marked her second time portraying the controversial figure, having previously donned the costume in 2021.
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On this year’s Halloween segment, Ripa’s interpretation of Holmes was part of a skit inspired by the reality competition series, The Traitors. Joined by her husband, Mark Consuelos, who played Dancing with the Stars professional Mark Ballas, Ripa channelled the disgraced entrepreneur in what can only be described as a comically charged performance. The skit featured an ensemble cast of well-known personalities, including Andy Cohen, Jackie Tohn, Zach Braff, and Donald Faison, along with the show’s host, Alan Cumming.
In her portrayal, Ripa adopted a deep, dramatic voice reminiscent of Holmes, attempting to convince Consuelos’ character that she could be trusted. “I’m not that person, I can promise you that,” Ripa claimed, echoing a line from the widely discussed documentary, You Can See Everything. She further insisted, “I don’t have anything to deceive you on. Of course I’m not deceiving you.”
Ahead of the Halloween episode, Ripa offered insights into her approach for this year’s portrayal. In an interview with USA Today, she discussed how her interpretation of Holmes had evolved since her first attempt. “Her voice isn’t, it’s not as deep as it once was,” Ripa noted, reflecting on Holmes’ changing public persona. “It’s not as deep as it was when I was Elizabeth Holmes the first time many years ago. She was much more [imitable] several years ago. Now it’s more of her being a normal person, which is harder.”
Ripa’s updated interpretation was influenced, in part, by the recent documentary, You Can See Everything. Released on 16th October, the film has received significant attention and follows Holmes during her final days before beginning an 11-year prison sentence for multiple charges of wire fraud tied to her now-defunct blood-testing company. Holmes, now 42, surrendered to Federal Prison Camp Bryan in Texas in May 2023, just a year after her conviction.
This revival of interest in Holmes has not been limited to Ripa’s show. Earlier the same week, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon featured a sketch parodying the documentary, with Fallon impersonating Nathan Fielder and Jamie Lee Curtis stepping into the role of Holmes. The public fascination with Holmes and her story continues to thrive, with numerous portrayals and discussions surrounding the myriad controversies of Theranos and its founder.
Live with Kelly and Mark, which airs on weekdays, consistently integrates topical culture references, and this Halloween special was no exception. Ripa’s decision to revisit Holmes’s character highlights the enduring public interest in the narrative of deception, ambition, and the ultimate downfall that characterised the Theranos saga.
As Ripa’s portrayal drew laughter and applause from the audience, it further ignited conversations about Holmes’ story and the wider implications it has on trust and innovation in the tech industry, particularly in Silicon Valley. With every re-examination of Holmes’s character, be it through comedy or serious discourse, the complexities of her story remain as relevant as ever.
Viewers can look forward to more lively segments on Live with Kelly and Mark as they continue to navigate the intersection of entertainment, culture, and social commentary. As the show progresses through the week, it will be interesting to see how Ripa and Consuelos approach future skits and themes, especially in our ever-evolving landscape of celebrity and scrutiny.