Kelly Ripa revealed she nearly starred in the 1990s classic film, “Father of the Bride.” She shared little-known details about the role that ultimately went to Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
The talk show host and her husband, Mark Consuelos, welcomed Williams-Paisley to “Live With Kelly and Mark” where the discussion pivoted to the iconic role that made the actress a superstar. The conversation soon turned to the film’s lasting legacy, as Ripa surprised viewers by revealing she had once auditioned for the same breakout part herself.
Kelly Ripa Could Have Starred in ‘Father of the Bride’
Former “All My Children” star Kelly Ripa told Kimberly Williams-Paisley during her appearance on “Live With Kelly and Mark” that she auditioned for the role of “Father of the Bride’s” Annie Banks. This little-known fact surprised Williams-Paisley, who was unaware Ripa had even tried out for the role.
Ripa said of the role, “I auditioned for that,” after Williams-Paisley revealed she was just 19 when she booked the job. “I remember it like it was yesterday.”
The talk show host added, “I remember being a young person auditioning for a movie, which didn’t happen very often. So it felt monumental.”
The “911 Nashville” star responded, “So did you audition for it before Phoebe Cates was cast, or when they were trying to replace her?” Ripa joked, “I did not get that far.”
“They were not having discussions with me like, ‘We are thinking about replacing…'” Ripa concluded.
Paisley-Williams concluded, “See, you know what’s funny is that I put myself on tape in Chicago when I was a student at Northwestern and they told me I didn’t get it. They they flew me out a couple of times” before she learned she landed the life-changing role.
‘Father of the Bride’ Was a Huge Hit Film
Kimberly Williams-Paisley’s role in “Father of the Bride” was a breakout moment in her career. However, the actress said she wasn’t expecting to book the job.
She told PEOPLE Magazine, “It’s really one of the best memories I’ll ever have in my life, getting to work with Diane [Keaton]. When I first auditioned for ‘Father of the Bride,’ I was 19 years old, they flew me out to Los Angeles for a screen test, and I’d never done anything like that before. And they put me in hair and makeup and then sent me to the sound stage where I was going to read with Steve [Martin] and Diane.”
Williams-Paisley added, “I remember hearing Diane laugh, and of course I knew who she was. I was such a huge fan growing up. I’d seen ‘Annie Hall,’ I’d seen ‘The Godfather,’ I’d seen ‘Baby Boom.'”
“And just the idea that I was going to be in her presence was; that’s what I was most nervous about, but it was just, wow, Diane Keaton. She’s just one of my idols.”
Williams-Paisley reflected on her friendship with Keaton, who passed away in October 2025. “To hear her laughter before anything, before even meeting her, was just such a great omen. It was an auspicious beginning to a great relationship. I definitely shared so many laughs with her.”
“Father of the Bride” was so successful, it spawned a 1995 sequel, “Father of the Bride 2.” Kimberly Williams-Paisley reprised her role, as did Diane Keaton and Steve Martin.
