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Kelly Ripa and Kathy Lee Gifford are two of the most popular television personalities in America. Both have had successful careers in the entertainment industry, but they are perhaps best known for their work on the supremely popular LIVE morning talk show series.
Ripa is currently the co-host of LIVE with Kelly and Mark while Gifford was a longtime co-host of LIVE with Regis and Kathy Lee. Regardless of who’s hosting, the LIVE show is always one of the highest-rated series because of these 2 ladies’ likability.
Part of what makes them likable is that they’re relatable. They both come across as down-to-earth and genuine, which makes them easy to connect with. They also have a great sense of humor, which has helped them win over audiences many times.
Of course, there are differences between them. One thing that separates the two is the salaries they have made from their time on LIVE.
How Much Money Did Kathy Lee Gifford Make From Her Time On Live With Regis And Kathy Lee?
While it is difficult to determine an exact figure for Gifford’s earnings from LIVE, it is estimated that she made millions of dollars during her time on the show. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Gifford’s salary started at $250,000 per year when she first joined LIVE in 1985. However, as the show’s popularity grew and ratings soared, so did Gifford’s paycheck. By the mid-1990s, Gifford made over $1 million per year from LIVE.
However, it wasn’t just Gifford’s salary that contributed to her wealth during this time. As a co-host of one of the most popular morning talk shows in America, she was able to leverage her fame into lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Carnival Cruise Lines and Walmart.
According to The New York Times, Gifford earned over $10 million from her endorsement deal with Walmart alone. This made her one of the highest-paid celebrities in the world at the time.
Despite all of her success, Gifford’s tenure on LIVE wasn’t without controversy. According to AP News, Gifford and Philbin were sued by a former employee in 1996. Gifford also had 2 publicly rocky marriages that soured her reputation to some fans.
Despite these controversies, Gifford remained one of the most beloved co-hosts in LIVE history. Her chemistry with Philbin was undeniable, and their banter and humor kept viewers tuning in day after day.
When Gifford left LIVE in 2000 to pursue other opportunities, it marked the end of an era for morning television. However, she continued to work in entertainment over the years and even returned to daytime television as a co-host on NBC’s Today Show. She’s currently dating Richard Spitz, with the couple recently announcing their relationship to the world.
How Much Money Does Kelly Ripa Make From Hosting Live With Kelly And Mark?
Ripa is one of the most recognizable faces on American television, known for her infectious personality and quick wit. Despite Regis Philbin originally not wanting her as a co-host, she has now been a part of the LIVE series for 2 decades now. Given her immense popularity on the show, many are curious about how much money Kelly Ripa makes from LIVE.
The question of Ripa’s salary is a fascinating one because it not only speaks to her personal success but also to larger trends in the entertainment industry.
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Firstly, it is worth noting that Ripa’s salary has been a subject of speculation for years. According to Forbes, she earns an estimated $20 million per year for hosting LIVE. This figure includes not only her salary but also various bonuses and incentives based on ratings and other performance metrics.
That’s a decent upgrade from Gifford’s salaries, although the effects of inflation should certainly be noted and included in their comparison.
It’s worth noting that Ripa didn’t always command such a high salary. When she first joined LIVE as a co-host in 2001, she reportedly earned around $1 million per year. However, over time her popularity grew and so did her bargaining power. In 2017, when her contract was up for renewal, she used that power to negotiate a much higher salary.
Part of Ripa’s success can be attributed to the chemistry between Kelly and her co-hosts over the years. Even with the struggles, such as the current lack of entertaining chemistry with her husband Mark Consuelos, she finds a way to be successful. The fact that she’s able to balance being a good and entertaining mother despite all the work she does is both impressive and crazy.
Another reason for Ripa’s high salary is her versatility as a host. She can interview celebrities, moderate panel discussions, play games with guests. She does it all with ease and humor, too, which adds to the entertainment value. Her ability to connect with guests and make them feel at ease has made her an indispensable part of LIVE. It also makes her an attractive prospect for advertisers looking to reach audiences through branded content or product placement.
Ripa and Gifford aren’t the only hosts of the LIVE series.
Regis Philbin, the original host of LIVE with Regis and Kathie Lee, was a television icon who made a name for himself in the broadcasting industry.
During his time on LIVE, Philbin’s earnings skyrocketed. While it’s unclear exactly how much he made per episode during his early years on the show, it’s estimated from Nicki Swift that by the late 1990s, he was earning around $7 million per year. This figure continued to rise throughout the 2000s, when he was making upwards of $20 million.
Ryan Seacrest took over from Philbin in 2011 and continued to make significant strides in his career as a television host. According to People, he reportedly earned $10 million per year for hosting Live! alongside Kelly Ripa. His success on the show has also led to other lucrative deals such as American Idol and his own production company.
When Michael Strahan isn’t beefing with current NFL players, he’s hosting morning shows. The former New York Giant joined Live! as a co-host in 2012 and quickly made an impact with his charm and wit. According to Sporting News, he earned $20 million per year for hosting the show before leaving in 2016 to join Good Morning America. His time on Live! was brief but highly successful.
