Daytime talk show hosts praised the appearance of guest Howie Mandel, who turned 70 in November.
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos learned the hard way that age isn’t just a number.
The Emmy Award-winning daytime host was embroiled in an unexpected discussion about aging during an interview with guest Howie Mandel on “Live with Kelly & Mark” on Monday, March 23. The comedian and longtime judge on “America’s Got Talent” turned 70 in November.
“That doesn’t make sense,” Ripa said, surprised at Mandel’s age, to which Mandel responded, “What do you mean it doesn’t make sense?”
Consuelos tried to clarify his comment by complimenting Mandel’s appearance, saying he “looks great,” but that explanation did not sit well with Mandel.
“Do I look great? It means nothing to me,” Mandel said. “I don’t like it, because it’s a warning, because if you tell someone you’re 70 years old, they’ll say, ‘You look great[for your age].'”
He added: “That’s like saying, ‘Smart for a fool.'” “Oh, you look smart. You look smart.’ It doesn’t look good.”
But Ripa and Consuelos ultimately conceded that point, insisting that Mandel is “amazing” regardless of his age.
“Thank you. … Honestly, let’s be serious for a second. I’m gorgeous. I am,” Mandel said, to which Ripa responded, “You are beautiful.”
As for Mandel’s secrets to staying young, the comedian opened up about his exercise routine, which involves swimming with a cable attached to his ankle and using a “frying pan” paddle.
“This is the most ridiculous workout I’ve ever done in my life,” Mandel said, adding jokingly: “You swim for an hour and you’re not going anywhere. You’re hooked. It’s really good.”
Ripa, 55, reflected on her aging in a February interview with USA TODAY.
The TV presenter has previously tried out some physical stunts on air, such as scaling a 30-foot wall at Cirque du Soleil and hanging upside down from a bungee cord with magician David Blaine, but said he plans to do fewer stunts in the future.
“Now that I’m older and wiser, I’m more afraid of breaking my hip,” Ripa said. “I would probably tap out now.”
Contributor: Brian Alexander, USA TODAY
