Instagram/Kelly Ripa & Oprah Winfre TV Kelly Ripa marks 25 years on LIVE, reveals she sought retirement advice from an entertainment legend. April 27, 2026 AceShowbiz - Kelly Ripa first gained recognition through her role on the soap opera All My Children, but she truly became a household name when she stepped in as co-host on LIVE with Regis Philbin after Kathie Lee Gifford's departure. Recently, Kelly Ripa marked a significant milestone on the long-running ABC talk show, celebrating 25 years as a host.