Howie Mandel hits back at Kelly Ripa after awkward comment during live TV appearance
Mandel reacts to Ripa’s remark about his age during a ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’ segment
A tense exchange unfolded between Howie Mandel and Kelly Ripa during a recent episode of Live with Kelly and Mark following comments about the comedian’s age.
The moment occurred as Ripa, alongside co-host Mark Consuelos, congratulated Mandel on his 70th birthday. Ripa remarked, “It doesn’t make any sense,” prompting Mandel to question the statement, asking, “What do you mean it doesn’t make any sense?”
Consuelos attempted to clarify the comment by telling Mandel it was because “you look great.” However, Mandel appeared unconvinced, replying, “That I look great? That doesn’t mean anything.”
He continued to express discomfort with the remark, explaining, “No, no, no. I don’t like that because that’s a caveat, ’cause you tell someone you’re 70, and they go, ‘you look great—’”.
Ripa interjected to explain the intent behind the comment, stating, “We’re not saying you look great for 70 [years old]. We’re saying you look great and I don’t believe you’re 70.”
Despite the clarification, Mandel maintained his stance, suggesting the phrasing implied a comparison. He added, “No, no. It’s like saying you’re smart for a stupid person,” a comment that drew laughter from the studio audience.
Consuelos made a further attempt to ease the situation by reiterating that Mandel does “look good,” while Ripa again stressed their positive intention.
The exchange eventually softened as Mandel shifted the tone, jokingly agreeing that he is “gorgeous” before moving on. He then spoke about his fitness routine, saying, “Your friend, [TV show host] Jerry O’Connell, got me into the most ridiculous workout I’ve ever done in my life.”
He described the routine, adding, “I swim but have these cables which I tie onto my ankles and then I attach them to whatever is at the side of the pool.”
