From ‘All My Children’ to ‘Live’ — See a Timeline of Kelly Ripa’s Iconic TV Career

For the last few decades, Kelly Ripa effortlessly built one of the most iconic careers in TV. Not only is she an incredible TV host and actress, but she’s also one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars thanks to her bubbly personality and friendly demeanor.

The Live With Kelly and Ryan star first got her break in showbiz when she joined the cast of All My Children in 1990. Kelly starred on the hit ABC soap opera for over a decade before landing a hosting gig alongside Regis Philbin following Kathie Lee Gifford‘s departure on Live With Regis and Kathie Lee in 2001.

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The Hope and Faith alum hosted the talk show Live With Regis and Kelly alongside the TV icon for nearly a decade before Regis announced he would be leaving the longtime show in 2011. It was during that time that Kelly became the host of Live With Kelly. Since then, she’s spearheaded the talk show with a series of different cohosts and guest stars.

Working with the Emmy Award winner sounds like a blast, and the actress’ close pals couldn’t agree more. While once chatting with the Washington Post, Anderson Cooper — who often fills in as a cohost on Live — opened up about how much he admires Kelly’s dedication to her TV show.

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“That television screen is a truth detector. You can tell who’s real and who’s not,” the CNN anchor previously explained. “Kelly’s honesty comes through that little piece of glass into people’s homes. It’s not even like you feel like you have a relationship with her — you do have a relationship with her.”

Another of Kelly’s close friends, Andy Cohen, also praised her for her amazing attitude and outlook. “She is someone who will dance on a cube at a club until 3 a.m. with absolutely no kind of alcohol or anything in her, just because she loves to dance,” the Bravo producer marveled. “She’s got boundless energy. She’s got a lot of stuff going on. I think that maybe people underestimate her because she makes it all look really easy.”

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Although it seems like Kelly has everything under control, the I Love You, Mom! author insisted she makes it look a lot more simple on camera. “[TV] is a dialed-up version of your personality,” she once explained to the Washington Post.

Considering she’s the mom of her and husband Mark Consuelos‘ three kids, Michael Consuelos, Lola Consuelos and Joaquin Consuelos, Kelly joked juggling her career and motherhood isn’t always fun and games. “I am clearly not laughing and yukking it up all day long [at home],” she insisted. “When I go to parent-teacher conferences, I act like a human being. I’m not like, ‘Hey, ring-a-ding-ding!'”

Whether she’s being her typical hilarious self or not, we can’t help but adore Kelly!

Scroll through the gallery below to see a timeline of the legendary TV host’s career.