Mark Consuelos Shares Heartbreaking Tribute to His Late Father Saul: A Man of Strength, Patriotism, and Legacy

Mark Consuelos, the beloved co-host of Live with Kelly and Mark, delivered some devastating news to viewers on Monday, April 6. The actor, alongside his wife Kelly Ripa, revealed that his father, Saul Consuelos, had passed away two weeks prior. The cause of death and his age were not disclosed, but Mark’s emotional tribute to his father painted a powerful portrait of a man who left an indelible mark on his family and his country.

During the heartfelt segment, Mark reflected on the extraordinary life of his father, who immigrated to the United States from Mexico in his early teens. Saul’s remarkable journey and the sacrifices he made for his country were at the forefront of the conversation, with Mark expressing how deeply his father had shaped his life.

“He came here from Mexico in his early teens,” Mark said somberly. “He immigrated here from Mexico. He served his country for 30 years. Ended up at Special Operations Command in Tampa. This young kid from Mexico just got his education from the Navy. Was always going to school. Was brilliant. Got his Masters while I was a kid.”

Mark also spoke of Saul’s deep love for the United States, emphasizing that his father embodied the promise of the American Dream. “He loved his country so much. If you’re going to put a face to an immigrant, he would be the prime example of what this country promises people,” he shared with a sense of pride.

Kelly Ripa, who has been married to Mark for 30 years, joined him in the emotional tribute, adding her own words of remembrance for Saul. Kelly, who had grown close to Saul over the years, described him as “the greatest person I’ve ever known,” and spoke warmly of his impact on their family.

“I can honestly say I will miss him every day for the rest of my life,” Kelly said, clearly overcome with emotion. “As I know you will, as our children will. He really is so symbolic of everything you are.” Her words spoke to the profound connection that Saul had not just with his son, but with the entire Consuelos family.

The couple’s children—three in their twenties—are also deeply affected by the loss. “This is the first loss they’ve ever experienced in their lives,” Kelly noted. “I said, ‘By the time I was 8, I had no grandparents. You got to grow up [with grandparents]. You got to have deep, meaningful conversations [with them].'”

Mark also reflected on the lessons his father imparted to him over the years, including the time Saul took to teach him valuable life skills. Mark fondly recalled the many hours spent watching his father work on projects around the house. “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,” Mark said, smiling through his sadness.

“He was always lecturing me,” Mark continued. “There were a lot of lectures, a lot of lectures and I learned so much. If he was fixing something in the house, he’d make me watch and do it. And I didn’t know at the time why he was doing that. But now at the house, I’m able to do at least half of the stuff that he did. I learned the most by just watching him.”

Kelly, ever supportive, turned to Mark with heartfelt words of comfort. “You’re the strongest person I know,” she told him, her voice filled with love. “You continually inspire me every day. All of the good things that I love about you, I loved those same things about your dad. So I just want to say thank you, dad, for everything you gave to us. Everything.”

Mark’s tribute to his late father was a beautiful reminder of the impact a parent can have on a child’s life—how love, lessons, and legacy extend far beyond their physical presence. Saul Consuelos’ influence on his family is undeniable, and through Mark’s emotional reflection, viewers got a glimpse of a man whose devotion to his country, family, and work will live on in the memories of those who loved him.