Joaquin Consuelos has officially arrived on the Broadway stage. On Thursday, April 9, the 23-year-old actor celebrated the opening night of his first Broadway production, stepping into the spotlight in a major revival of Death of a Salesman — a role that signals both promise and pressure for any performer, let alone a recent graduate.
Fresh out of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance (Class of May 2025), Joaquin is already making bold moves. He stars in director Joe Mantello’s acclaimed revival alongside powerhouse performers Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf, both Tony Award winners. The production itself has been described as a standout this season, but for Joaquin, it represents something even bigger: a career-defining launch.
Proud Parents Take Center Stage Offstage
Supporting him every step of the way were his parents, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, who attended the opening night festivities and joined their son for photos at the afterparty held at the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen.
The pride was unmistakable. Both parents have openly shared their emotional reactions on Live with Kelly and Mark, offering a rare glimpse into the personal side of a major Broadway debut.
“It was unbelievable,” Ripa said after attending a March performance. “The entire production is incredible and just to see Joaquin up there took my breath away. Took my breath away. Incredible, incredible cast, production, staging — the whole thing.”
Her reaction only deepened as she reflected on the surreal nature of the milestone. “Just to see our kid on stage thrilled me,” she added. “It’s crazy. Doesn’t make any sense. … If you would have told me when he was a newborn, ‘Oh 22 years from now he’ll be starring on Broadway in Death of a Salesman,’ I would have thought you were on drugs.”
A First Preview Filled With Emotion
Interestingly, Ripa wasn’t present for Joaquin’s very first preview. The young actor reportedly asked his mom to hold off until opening night, wanting that initial moment to unfold without added pressure. “I was not permitted to come,” Ripa explained with humor. “I said to him, ‘I want to come to first preview.’ And he said, ‘Mom, no. … It’s previews. Just wait ’til opening night.’ [So] I respected his wishes.”
© GettyThat didn’t stop Mark Consuelos from stepping in. Encouraged by his own Broadway co-stars, he attended the March 6 preview solo. “There’s only one first time,” he recalled being told.
“He’s amazing. He did such a good job,” Mark shared. “I did not blink” during the three-hour performance. “I was watching him with a smile on my face. And [I] cried.”
A Family Affair on Broadway
The timing of Joaquin’s debut is especially notable, as Mark Consuelos is also stepping into the Broadway spotlight this season. He stars in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Fallen Angels, sharing the stage with Rose Byrne and Kelli O’Hara. Previews began March 27, with an official opening set for April 19.
© GettyThat dual Broadway presence makes this a rare and meaningful chapter for the family. Mark has been vocal about encouraging theatergoers to support his son’s production. “It’s an amazing play,” he said. “If you’re in New York, please go see this play.”
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