NEWSKelly Ripa Looks Unrecognizable in Jaw-Dropping Throwback Video
Kelly Ripa looked unrecognizable in a jaw-dropping throwback video from her early days on television.
Sept. 8 2026, Published 9:31 a.m. ET
Kelly Ripa appeared almost unrecognizable in a throwback video on Inside Edition from her teenage years.
Per Hello! Magazine, the footage showed a young, baby-faced Ripa dancing on Dance Party USA while sporting big, curly '80s hair and retro fashion.
At that time, she was still in high school and appeared regularly on the show as both a dancer and segment host.
Kelly Ripa Got Her Start on 'Dance Party USA'
Kelly Ripa’s old throwback video resurfaced online, showcasing her youthful, baby-faced look during the early days of her television career on 'Dance Party USA.'
Ripa's early television appearances on Dance Party USA gave viewers a glimpse of the charisma that would later help shape her career.
She took part in teen talk segments and appeared in the show's Dr. Love advice corner, where cast members responded to relationship questions from viewers.
Kelly Ripa reflected on feeling like an underdog during her early days in television.
Despite her success, Ripa has often spoken about feeling like an underdog throughout her career.
During her Hollywood Walk of Fame speech, she reflected on her early days in television.
"They took a 19-year-old girl with virtually no acting experience and put her on the number one soap opera," she said about breaking into acting.
Ripa later revealed that it took nearly eight years for her to feel fully comfortable in her role on Live! and stop feeling like an imposter.
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Ripa Reflected on Her Career
Kelly Ripa reflected on landing a seat beside Regis Philbin before starring in sitcom show 'Hope and Faith.'
Her first major acting opportunity came with her role as Hayley Vaughan on All My Children.
She later moved into daytime television, joining Regis Philbin on Live!
"Then they took the same girl... with absolutely no broadcast experience at all, and gave her the seat next to the incredible Regis Philbin," Ripa said in her Hollywood Walk of Fame speech.
She then recalled how her career later took a new direction.
"Then they took the same girl, who had no experience in sitcoms whatsoever, and gave her a sitcom," she said of Hope and Faith.
Mark Consuelos Explained Kelly Ripa's Absence From 'Live with Kelly and Mark'
Mark Consuelos addressed Kelly Ripa's absence from 'Live with Kelly and Mark,' due to her gum graft surgery.
Ripa's husband, Mark Consuelos, earlier addressed her absence from Live with Kelly and Mark as he kicked off the show alongside guest co-host Kevin Jonas.
Per Hello! Magazine, the Scream 7 actor discussed Ripa's time away during the July 27 episode of the daytime program.
"Kelly had a little bit — well, it's not a little — she had a gum graft surgery," Consuelos said.
"Her dentist said five years ago, 'You can do it in about five years,' and she joked, 'I didn't think I'd still be on the air in five years!'" he recalled.
The Husband for Hire star then gave viewers a brief update on how Ripa was recovering.
She was "doing well" and "doing great," he said, adding that she needed to continue following her doctor's orders.
