Laura Wright Says She Always Knew Kelly Ripa Would Be a Star

Since taking over as co-host of what’s now LIVE WITH KELLY AND RYAN in 2001, Kelly Ripa (Hayley, ALL MY CHILDREN) has gone from daytime starlet to morning talk show icon — and the transition was no surprise to GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Laura Wright (Carly). “Kelly’s a friend of mine from when I was [Ally] on LOVING and she was on AMC” in New York during the 1990s. “We were inseparable for the longest time.”

Wright knew Ripa could talk the talk! (Photo Credit: Steven Bergman)

When Kathie Lee Gifford announced that she was leaving what was then LIVE! WITH REGIS & KATHIE LEE, Wright thought her pal would be perfect as Regis Philbin’s new co-host. “I just knew this was Kelly’s job. I had no idea she was even in the running. I was talking with a friend and said Kelly should have the part. There was no one else that quick and funny on the spot.” So when Ripa called to share the big news, Wright could have easily told mutual friends that she’d predicted the casting news. “It’s just so her!”

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This story originally appeared in our print magazine

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