Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ youngest son, Joaquin, is preparing to embark on the next chapter of his journey 

as he completes his final semester in theatre studies at the University of Michigan. 

At 21, the aspiring actor has been immersed in the world of performing arts, following in the footsteps of his famous parents and older brother, Michael. 

However, Joaquin’s path to embracing acting as a career was not always certain.

In a candid conversation with the University of Michigan Athletics, Joaquin reflected on his time in college, admitting that he initially felt unsure about his abilities. 

When he first started rehearsals, he was struck by the sheer talent of his peers, which left him feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

Recalling his first technical performance—a movement-based piece titled “Movement Under the Microscope”—Joaquin shared how he initially doubted his skills. “I remember seeing an Instagram video of it, and it felt like I didn’t know what I was doing the whole time,” he admitted. “I called my parents after our first class and told them, ‘OK, I would literally pay to watch some of these other performances.’”

Rather than allowing doubt to discourage him, Joaquin used it as motivation. He dedicated himself to honing his craft, and over time, he saw remarkable growth. “I think what made the difference from the first performance I did to now is just being in the same room as other great actors for three years straight. The process just rubs off,” he explained.

Having grown up in a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry, Joaquin has had a wealth of guidance and support. His parents, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, first met while starring in All My Children and have since built successful careers in television. Kelly became a household name through shows like Hope & Faith, while Mark gained widespread recognition for his role in Riverdale.

Joaquin’s older brother, Michael, has also pursued acting and played an influential role in sparking his interest in the craft. “With my brother, we would make short movies and stuff on our phones. That’s when I started any remote type of acting,” Joaquin recalled.

One pivotal moment in his journey came when Michael asked him to attend an audition in his place. Though Joaquin didn’t land the role, the experience was eye-opening. “I didn’t get the part, but I thought that I could really do acting. I should actually look into doing this. That was the light bulb moment,” he said.

Joaquin made history in his family by being the first to attend college outside of New York City, marking a significant transition for his parents as they officially became empty nesters. Reflecting on this milestone, Kelly shared on Live in 2021 just how emotional it was to drop off their youngest child at school. “It was hard. It was really hard. We dropped him off at school and we gave him a hug—it was actually brutally painful. And I said, ‘I did not realize that 18 years would go so fast,’” she revealed.

Despite the initial difficulty of adjusting to an empty home, Kelly and Mark remain deeply involved in their son’s life, frequently visiting Ann Arbor to support him. The couple has become well-acquainted with the University of Michigan community, with Kelly even participating in charitable events such as the Michigan Medicine Women’s Health Luncheon in 2023.

As Joaquin prepares to graduate, his future in the entertainment industry looks bright. With years of training, family support, and a deep passion for acting, he is well-equipped to carve out his own path in the world of performance. 

While he once questioned whether he would follow in his parents’ footsteps, his time at college has affirmed his passion for the craft, setting the stage for an exciting career ahead.

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