It’s Mario Lopez’s 50th birthday! The Mexican-American powerhouse was born on October 10, 1973, in San Diego, California, and is a pioneer for Latino representation in entertainment. From his legendary role as A.C. Slater ‘Saved by the Bell’ to his extraordinary success as a television host on shows like ‘Extra,’ ‘The X Factor,’ and ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ the libra has had an incredible career. Beyond the screen, he’s also an advocate for children’s hospitals and a philanthropist. To celebrate his birthday, check out some photos of his career and life.
Mario Lopez 1984
Lopez began acting in 1984 when he was around 10. He appeared as younger brother Tomás in the ABC comedy series a.k.a. Pablo.
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His life and career would change forever after he was cast as A.C. Slater in Saved by the Bell (1989–1993), and its spinoff Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993–1994).
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By 1992 Lopez was rising to fame and becoming a staple for Latino representation in media. Here he is with Oscar De La Hoya at the 61 annual Hollywood Christmas Parade.
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Lopez, whose parents are Elvira Soledad Trasviña and Mario Alberto López Pérez, also has a little sister named Marissa Lopez.
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Lopez’s married his first wife, Ali Landry in 2004, but the union was annulled two weeks later after alleged infidelities by Lopez.
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He began dating Karina Smirnoff after dancing together on the third season of Dancing With the Stars, but broke up after two years together.
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He found love again with Courtney Mazza, who would later become his wife. They welcome their daughter Gia in 2010 before getting engaged over New Years weekend in 2012 during a trip to Mexico.
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After tying the knot in 2012, they welcomed their second child, Dominic, in 2013.
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They became a family of 5 in 2019 after welcoming their only son Santino Rafael.
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Now 50, Lopez has an impressive resume, and a beautiful family to enjoy events as he continues to hold the title as one of the most successful Latinos in entertainment.
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