Catching up with Consuelos

He started out as a soap-opera stud on "All My Children," but actor Mark Consuelos thinks of himself as anything but. He eloped with former co-star Kelly Ripa, who now co-hosts the morning show "Live With Regis and Kelly." The couple live in New York City with their three children.

Born in Spain, he spent a lot of time in Italy because of his mother's Italian heritage. He stars in the Hallmark Channel original movie "For the Love of Grace," which premieres at 7 p.m. MDT Saturday.

Q. When you first got into acting, did you imagine yourself as a leading man?

A. No, I still don't. I doubt I ever will. No. (Laughs) Kind of like the dorky friend of the lead.

Q. You play a guy who deals with depression. Have you ever had to deal with depression or suffered a big loss?

A. No. You know what, thank God. I've been very fortunate.

Q. Your character is a good cook. Who does the cooking in your house?

A. My wife cooks. I barbecue.

Q. Was your mother a good cook?

A. Yes! She's Italian, and she can cook an old shoe and make it taste good.

Q. Is there any kind of professional competition in your marriage?

A. (Laughs) No. Absolutely not. We're very much a team. I'm her biggest fan. She is mine. You know what's good for one is great for the other.

Q. Who is more of a workaholic, you or Kelly?

A. I think we both have a pretty good balance. You know, I hate sitting, but I think Kelly could probably be on vacation more. (Laughs)

Q. As far as raising the children, how do you do it with the careers?

A. It's not that bad. You know, she has a morning job and she's done by, like, 10:30-11 o'clock. When I do work it's kind of like in fits and starts. I go away for a few weeks at a time, and then I'm done. We've both made a few sacrifices in not taking work when it seems the schedule would be a little too intense.

Q. Any more children in your future?

A. No, three is a great number. (Laughs)

Q. How comfortable are you doing interviews?