| Full Name | Mario Lopez Jr. |
| Birthday | October 10, 1973 |
| Birthplace | San Diego, California |
| Occupation | Actor, Host, Producer, Author |
| Years Active | 1983-Present |
| Spouse | Courtney Mazza (m. 2012) |
| Children | 3 |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook |
As a longtime fan of Mario Lopez, I‘m thrilled to provide this in-depth introduction to a man who has brought me decades of entertainment and inspiration. Known for his infectious charm and dazzling smile, Mario is that rare star who can truly do it all.
Humble Beginnings
Born in San Diego, California to parents Elvira and Mario Sr., athleticism and performing came naturally to Mario from a young age. He started dance lessons at just 3 years old, participating in his first recital at age 5. As a child, Mario knew he wanted to entertain and bring joy to others.
At age 12, he won his first body building competition (the spark that lit his lifelong passion for fitness). After graduating high school in 1991, Mario attended San Diego City College and continued to work as a dancer and model. But it was clear this ambitious performer was destined for big things.
The Role That Made Him Famous
In 1989, a 16-year old Mario Lopez auditioned for and landed the role of A.C. Slater on the soon-to-be hit series Saved by the Bell. As one of the main characters on the show, Slater was the popular jock who had an on-again-off-again romance with fellow student Jessie Spano (played by Elizabeth Berkley).
With his muscles, humor, and heart of gold, A.C. Slater instantly became one of my favorite teen heartthrobs. And 30+ years later, Mario‘s portrayal remains iconic. His natural charisma and talent for comedy shone through from the start. Saved by the Bell went on to become a staple of 90s pop culture.
Transition to Host With Infectious Charm
After wrapping up Saved by the Bell in 1993, Mario began working towards the next phase of his career. He continued acting in shows like Pacific Blue and The Bold and The Beautiful. Then in 2006, everything changed when he competed on Dancing with the Stars and finished in 2nd place.
America was reminded of how much we loved watching Mario Lopez. His playful partnership with pro dancer Karina Smirnoff shined a spotlight on his hosting skills. That star-quality charisma and effortless charm we first saw as A.C. Slater was now on full display.
In 2007, Mario took over hosting duties for Extra, conducting interviews and delivering entertainment news with his signature style. He had such a fun, relatable way of engaging the audience. It quickly became my favorite show to catch up on celebrity gossip!
Multi-Talented Powerhouse
Beyond gaining fame as an actor and host, Mario is an incredibly multi-faceted entertainer with talents including:
- Dancing – trained in jazz, tap, ballet; competed professionally
- Theater – starred in Broadway productions of A Chorus Line
- Producing – founded his own production company (Oso Productions)
- Writing – published memoir Just Between Us in 2007
- Radio – hosted national radio show ON with Mario Lopez
He has also shown off his dancing/performance skills on shows like America‘s Best Dance Crew and The X Factor. Is there anything Mario can‘t do?!
Committed to Giving Back
On top of his busy career, Mario makes time to give back through charity and volunteer work. He has supported causes including:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- Children‘s Miracle Network Hospitals
- American Diabetes Association
- March of Dimes
He is a frequent visitor to children‘s hospitals and has hosted countless fundraising events. Mario‘s commitment to philanthropy has helped so many.
Family Man
As a father of three young children, Mario works hard to balance his career and family life. He married Courtney Mazza in 2012 and they have a son Dominic (b. 2013) and daughters Gia (b. 2010) and Santino (b. 2019). His social media gives us a glimpse into his life as a doting, fun-loving dad.
Why We Love Mario
So what is it exactly about Mario Lopez that makes him so darn lovable?
- His eternal optimism – he just radiates joy and lives life to the fullest
- His charisma on camera – like a magnet, he instantly draws you in
- His work ethic – Mario is always hustling and pursuing his passions
- His pride in his heritage – he embraces his Mexican-American roots
- His heart of gold – a truly good person who cares about giving back
Today, Mario Lopez remains one of Hollywood‘s hardest working entertainers. As an actor, host, author, producer, and philanthropist, he has undeniable star power. Thanks for the years of laughter and entertainment, Mario!