Comedian and AGT judge Howie Mandel is attempting to make amends with talk show host Kelly Ripa. The two recently had a very uncomfortable run-in when he was a guest on Live With Kelly & Mark. Now, Mandel is trying his best as he can to rectify the rift, but what did he have to say? Keep reading for more details.
Howie Mandel Falls Out With Kelly Ripa
Kelly Ripa is known to have all types of guests on her morning talk show, Live With Kelly & Mark. Recently, America’s Got Talent judge and comedian Howie Mandel was in the hot seat. He also has his own podcast, so he is often used to being the one interviewing, not the other way around. In November 2025, Mandel turned seventy, which is a milestone birthday. For those who have followed his career, he looks the same as he has for years.
When Mandel showed up as a guest, Kelly Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos, pointed out how he was seventy. He and Kelly also noted that he looked really good, so it did not make sense that he was the age he was. To that, Mandel snapped and stated that he did not feel that the two were one and the same:
“I look great? That doesn’t mean anything to me. No, no, no, no. I don’t like that, because that’s a caveat.”
He proceeded to go off the rails regarding the comment while Kelly looked shocked in her seat. She attempted to interject and let him know that they were simply telling him he looked “great,” but that was not enough.
Howie Mandel seemed to know that he had crossed a line, and the Canadian native would never be invited back again. That being said, he decided to make an apology video, which he shared on social media. For Mandel, he did not know if he should even have to apologize, given that he is a comedian. In fact, he mulled for 48 hours, but he finally caved.
Saying ‘I’m Sorry’
Howie Mandel released the apology video for Kelly Ripa to see and had this to say:
“It’s a joke. It’s meant as a joke and it’s not meant to offend. In all my years in the business, I have never publicly apologized. This is hard. But this is for Kelly Ripa.”
He went on to detail how long he has known the talk show host for and the history that they have. However, he admitted the joke fell flat, and he wants her to know how sorry he is. Finally, Howie Mandel added:
“After a lot of thought and self-reflection. I look great for my age. I really do. I look fantastic, I just have to embrace the fact that I look this good.”
Many followers applauded him, apologizing, although some felt it was not necessary. Did you see the episode he was on, and do you think he did the right thing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.
