Kelli O'Hara revealed what it was really like working alongside Mark Consuelos as he made his Broadway debut in Fallen Angels, which opened on April 19.
The star exclusively spoke with HELLO! at the 79th Annual Tony Awards Meet the Nominees Press event on May 14 in New York City.
Kelli portrays the character of Julia Sterroll, who is an upper-class wife in the Broadway show, and she's nominated for a 2026 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
She gushed: "I loved working with Mark. He is the sweetest, the most hardworking and actually the funniest guy really – just always so dry and witty."
© WireImageThe actress also revealed their go-to routine right before going on stage.
Kelli shared: "We stand backstage right before he comes every night – right before we both enter for act three, and we just kind of breathe and we move around and we jump around."
She expressed that Mark is a true professional with an experienced background in acting from his days on All My Children, Riverdale, and definitely knows how to work a crowd from his daily role as co-host of LIVE with Kelly and Mark.
Kelli explained: "He didn't really need my help. He's no stranger to a crowd and [it's] mostly [about] just keep the feeling light and remember to have fun."
© WireImageLike father, like son
Mark revealed on his hit daytime talk show that his Broadway moment was a long time coming, and an absolute dream come true.
He previously wasn't able to commit to doing a Broadway show due to his hectic traveling schedule and not residing in New York City at the time.
© WireImageThe TV host isn't the only one making his huge Broadway debut in the family. Mark and Kelly Ripa's son Joaquin Consuelos, 23, also had his turn in Death of a Salesman, which opened on April 9.
Joaquin studied theater in the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre and Dance, and he graduated last May.
© Getty ImagesKelli's take on her role
The star reflected on her greatest challenge when it came to her role and how she overcame it.
She shared: "I think when you do a comedy, the most challenging thing is to find out where the laughs are, and you sort of have to do that with the audience's help. We started previews and immediately had to start trying things in real time, so it was challenging at first and then it became really fun."
Kelli made her Broadway debut in 2000 in Jekyll & Hyde, by serving as Kate Shindle's replacement for the character of Lucy.
The 79th Annual Tony Awards will air on June 7 from Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
