You’ve seen the headlines before. Usually, they’re about how Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are "cutthroat" parents who forced their kids to live in "extreme poverty" once they turned 18. People love a good "rich kid struggling" story. But honestly? The reality for Kelly Ripa son Michael Consuelos is way more nuanced than a few viral soundbites from a morning talk show.
Michael isn’t just some trust-fund kid playing at being an adult. He’s 28 now. He lives in Brooklyn—specifically Bushwick—and he’s actually doing the work. Not the "I have a famous last name so give me a movie" work, but the "I'm a production assistant and field producer" work. It’s kinda refreshing. In an era where "nepo babies" are getting grilled every five minutes, Michael Consuelos seems to be the one actually trying to learn the plumbing of the industry from the inside out.
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The Bushwick "Poverty" and the 20-Dollar Bill
Let’s address the elephant in the room. A few years back, Kelly went on Jimmy Kimmel Live and mentioned that Michael was "chronically poor" and living in a tiny apartment in Bushwick. The internet lost its mind. People were like, "Your parents have $160 million, go buy him a house!"
But here’s the thing. Kelly and Mark were pretty open about their strategy. They didn't grow up with money. Mark was an immigrant kid who slept on couches. Kelly grew up in a middle-class New Jersey household. They wanted their kids to feel the "sting" of a rent check. Michael actually graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2020—right when the world shut down.
His first writing job? Gone. Evaporated because of the pandemic.
Kelly mentioned that during that time, Michael would wait by the mailbox for a $20 bill his grandparents sent for Halloween. Before, he probably wouldn't have blinked at twenty bucks. Now? That’s dinner. It’s a lesson in the value of a dollar that you just can't teach unless the person actually needs that dollar. He’s been living with roommates, navigating the L train, and basically living the life of every other 20-something creative in New York City.
Why Michael Consuelos Isn't Just "The Guy from Riverdale"
Most fans recognize him because he played the younger version of his dad’s character, Hiram Lodge, on Riverdale. It was a perfect casting choice, obviously. They look identical. But if you think Michael is just waiting for the next acting gig to fall in his lap, you’ve got it wrong.
Lately, he’s been pivoting behind the scenes. He’s been working as a Field Associate Producer for Bravo. Yeah, that means he’s been in the trenches of reality TV. He worked on The Real Housewives of New Jersey and the reboot of The Real Housewives of New York. Andy Cohen even joked about texting Michael to see who his favorite housewives were. Michael, being a pro, wouldn't spill the tea.
He’s also been doing:
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- Scripted Podcasts: He recently starred in Summer Breeze on Audible alongside his parents.
- Screenwriting: He’s been vocal about writing "like crazy," even though he jokes that he spends too much time on descriptions because he loves Stephen King.
- Production Assistant Work: He started out on The Goldbergs, doing the unglamorous stuff that most celebrity kids would skip.
It's a smart move. If the acting roles dry up or get too competitive—especially with his younger brother Joaquin now entering the industry with a big Hulu pilot—Michael has the technical skills to build a career that doesn't depend on his face being on a billboard.
The Family Dynamic in 2026
The Consuelos crew is tight. Like, "we all go on vacation together and post slightly embarrassing photos" tight. Even though Michael, Lola, and Joaquin are all adults now, they still show up for each other. Just recently, they were all spotted on a tropical vacation where Michael was towering over his parents.
But there’s a clear boundary. Mark and Kelly have been very vocal about "cutting off" the kids financially once college ended. They gave Michael a one-year "grace period" because of the pandemic, but after that, he was on his own for rent.
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It’s a weird middle ground to walk. You’re the son of two of the most famous people on daytime TV, but you’re also worrying about whether the deli downstairs raised the price of a bacon, egg, and cheese. That kind of friction builds character. It’s probably why Michael comes across as so grounded in interviews. He’s not living in a Soho penthouse; he’s in a neighborhood where people actually work for a living.
What's Next for the Oldest Consuelos?
Michael is currently focusing heavily on his writing. He’s mentioned that while he studied screenwriting at NYU, he’s actually been leaning into writing novels. He’s a big reader—constantly devouring books or audiobooks while he’s out for runs.
The industry is different now than it was when his parents started on All My Children. It’s more fragmented. There’s less job security. But Michael seems to have figured out the secret: don't just be one thing. Be an actor, be a producer, be a writer.
If you're looking to follow a similar path or just want to see how he’s doing it, keep an eye on his credits at Bravo and his occasional guest spots. He’s proving that you can inherit the looks and the connections, but you still have to show up to the set at 5:00 AM like everyone else if you want to stay there.
Key Takeaways for Navigating a Creative Career
- Diversify your skills. Michael didn't just stick to acting; he learned production and writing, which kept him employed when acting roles were scarce.
- Accept the "grunt work." Starting as a PA (Production Assistant) on shows like The Goldbergs provided a foundation that you can't get from a textbook.
- Build an independent identity. By moving to Bushwick and working on reality TV—a different lane than his parents' talk show and soaps—he’s carving out a space that is uniquely his.
- Leverage your network, but do the work. Having "ins" through family friends like Andy Cohen is a massive advantage, but you have to be "diplomatic" and professional to keep those doors open.