Mark Consuelos is mourning the loss of his father, Saul Consuelos, who has died following a prolonged illness.

The US actor and television personality shared the news during the April 6 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, revealing that his father “passed away peacefully” on March 23 after battling a long illness.

His wife and co-host, Kelly Ripa, became emotional as she paid tribute, describing her father-in-law as “the greatest person I’ve ever known.” 

She added that she would “miss him every day,” noting that the loss has deeply affected the couple’s three children, for whom it is their first experience of grief.

Reflecting on his father’s life, Consuelos remembered him as a deeply influential figure, joking that if you asked him the time, “he would tell you how to build a watch.” 

He said those “lectures” and hands-on lessons ultimately shaped his own abilities, explaining that he now realises how much he learned simply by watching him.

The Riverdale actor also highlighted his father’s journey from Mexico to the United States, where he went on to serve in the Navy for three decades. 

Describing him as “brilliant,” Consuelos noted that his father pursued education throughout his life, even earning a master’s degree while raising a family.

He added that his father’s story embodied the promise of the American dream, calling him a powerful example of what immigrants can achieve.