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.
© GettyImagesMario 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.
