Howie Mandel is 70. Mandel took to Instagram on March 29 to apologize to Kelly Ripa after an intense on-air exchange during a recent episode of Live with Kelly and Mark. During his appearance, Howie received a compliment for looking good for his age, to which he argued that telling someone his age that they "look great" doesn't "mean anything" since it comes with a "caveat." Mandel argued that it allegedly sounds like a backhanded compliment.Mandel, in his Instagram video, shared that he misunderstood Kelly's comments and that she was "right." At first, Mandel noted that comedians don't apologize for their jokes, since it's meant to be just a joke. He also argued that in his 50-year career, he has never apologized for his jokes, because it's "hard" for him.Mandel then added that since it's Ripa, who has always been supportive of him, he'd like to apologize, and that sometimes comedians say things that don't "land.""And I don't know how to say this, but not only do I want to say I'm sorry to Kelly, but — and this is the hardest part — you’re right. You're absolutely right. And I'm sorry I didn't see it that way. But after a lot of thought and self-reflection, I do look great for my age! I really do … I look fantastic, and I just have to embrace the fact that I look this good."What did Kelly Ripa say to Howie Mandel?During a March 29 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, Kelly Ripa discussed Howie Mandel's age, after he turned 70 in November, 2025. Kelly said,"It doesn't make any sense."Howie interjected and said,"What do you mean it doesn't make any sense? That I look great?"At the time, Ripa clarified that she and her co-host Mark Consuelos genuinely meant to compliment Mandel's looks."We’re not saying you look great for 70. We’re saying you look great — and I don’t believe you’re 70."However, Howie Mandel seemed uncomfortable with the framing and said,"No. no. I don't like that because that's a caveat. When you tell someone you're 70, and they say you look great… It's like saying you're smart for a stupid person."Despite the tense moment, the segment continued, and Howie Mandel went on to explain his fitness routine, and also credited actor Jerry O'Connell for introducing him to an intense swimming workout involving resistance bands and cables.