Mario Lopez is a renowned American actor, television host, and personality who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He first gained widespread recognition for portraying A.C. Slater in the hit 1990s teen sitcom “Saved by the Bell.” Since then, Lopez has enjoyed a versatile career, showcasing his talents as an actor, dancer, and host on various television shows. With his charismatic charm and pleasant demeanor, he has become a beloved figure in the entertainment world, captivating audiences both on and off the screen.
Content of this Article
- Mario Lopez’s Appearance
- Facts About Mario Lopez
- Mario Lopez’s Net Worth
- Early Life
- Mario Lopez’s Wife and Family
- Mario Lopez’s Career
- Mario Lopez’s Real Estate
Mario Lopez’s Appearance (Height, Hair, Eyes & More)
| Height | 5 ft 10 in
1.78 m |
| Weight | 185 pounds
84 kg |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Type | Average |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Facts About Mario Lopez
| Nationality | Mexican-American |
| Estimated Net Worth | $35 million |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Birthplace | Chula Vista, California |
| Birthday | October 10, 1973 |
Mario Lopez’s Net Worth
As of 2023, Mario Lopez’s net worth is approximately $35 million. Even though many years have passed since the show first aired, Lopez is most famous for playing A.C. Slater on the popular 1990s TV series “Saved by the Bell.” His role made him a star and a beloved icon in American pop culture.
When Lopez was hosting “Extra” at its peak, he made a whopping $6 million yearly. But in July 2019, he switched to the rival show “Access Hollywood” and got a raise, now earning $8 million annually.
Early Life
Mario Lopez was born in Chula Vista, California, on October 10, 1973. He grew up in a Catholic family with his parents, Elvira Soledad Trasviña and Mario Alberto López Pérez, who immigrated from Mexico. His dad was born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, and his mom in Tijuana, Baja California. Lopez has a younger sister named Marissa, who is married to Kailee Wong, a former NFL player who played for the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans.
Education
Mario Lopez began his dance training at three, focusing on tap and jazz styles. When he was seven, he also took up tumbling, karate, and wrestling at the local Boys and Girls Club, showing great talent in these activities.
In Chula Vista High School, he joined the wrestling team and competed in the 160 lb (73 kg) weight class. During his senior year, he achieved 2nd place in the San Diego Section competition and 7th place in California. He graduated from high school in 1991.
Mario Lopez’s Wife and Family
After dating for six years, Mario Lopez tied the knot with actress Ali Landry on April 24, 2004, in a Catholic ceremony held at the Las Alamandas resort just outside Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. However, their marriage was annulled a mere two weeks later. In a 2011 interview, Lopez confessed that their split occurred because Landry had discovered his infidelity just days before their wedding at his bachelor party.
Following his marriage with Landry, Lopez went on to date professional dancer Karina Smirnoff, his partner on “Dancing with the Stars.” Their relationship lasted from 2006 until June 2008.
In the autumn of 2008, Lopez crossed paths with Courtney Mazza, a Broadway dancer, actress, and producer, while working on the production of “A Chorus Line” in New York. They eventually tied the knot in Punta Mita, Mexico, on December 1, 2012. Together, they have a daughter born in 2010 and two sons born in 2013 and 2019.
Mario Lopez’s Career
Hosting
In 1992, Mario Lopez started his hosting career on NBC with the show “Name Your Adventure.” He went on to host various programs, including the tabloid show “Extra,” MTV’s reality shows “America’s Best Dance Crew” and “MTV’s Top Pop Group.” During the 1995-96 season, he took on hosting duties for the second season of “Masters of the Maze” on what was then The Family Channel.
Lopez also took on a host and co-executive producer role for Sí TV’s “Dating Factory.” From October to December 2012, he co-hosted the Fox singing competition “The X Factor” alongside Khloe Kardashian. In September 2013, Lopez returned to the show as the sole host for its third season after Kardashian wasn’t asked back as co-host. Unfortunately, “The X Factor” was canceled on February 7, 2014.
From 2002 to 2005, Lopez served as the host of the Animal Planet show “Pet Star,” despite having some difficulties due to his cat allergy. Additionally, he hosted the Miss America pageant in 2007, 2009, and 2010.
Lopez has appeared as a guest co-host on “The Wendy Williams Show.” He also served as the MC for the gala benefit of the 2010 Pageant of the Masters Arts Festival in Laguna Beach, California. Starting in 2012, Lopez took on the role of hosting his own nationally syndicated radio show called “ON With Mario Lopez.”
In August 2014, Lopez started hosting the Hot AC edition of the iHeartRadio Countdown. Then, in July 2019, news surfaced that he would be stepping down from his role as the host of “Extra” to take over as the host of the competing show “Access Hollywood.” Furthermore, in November 2019, Lopez was the Grand Marshal of the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
Acting
Mario Lopez started his acting career in 1984 when he played the role of Tomás, the younger brother, in the short-lived ABC comedy series “a.k.a. Pablo.” That same year, he also landed a role as a drummer and dancer on “Kids Incorporated.” He continued performing on the show for three seasons.
In March 1987, he made a guest appearance on the sitcom “The Golden Girls,” where he portrayed a character named Mario, a Latino boy dealing with deportation issues. Additionally, he had a small part in the 1988 film “Colors” as Felipe’s friend.
In 1989, Lopez landed the role of A.C. Slater in the Saturday-morning sitcom “Saved by the Bell” and its spinoff series, “Saved by the Bell: The College Years.” He portrayed this character for five years. In 2020, Lopez returned to the role of A.C. Slater in Peacock’s sequel series, “Saved by the Bell.”
On February 4, 2015, Lopez reunited with Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Dennis Haskins, and Tiffani Thiessen on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” They all came together for a fun “Saved by the Bell” sketch with Fallon.
In 1997, Lopez took on the Olympic diver Greg Louganis’s role in the TV movie “Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story.” The following year, he was cast as Bobby Cruz in the USA Network series “Pacific Blue” and appeared in it for two seasons until it got canceled after its fifth season.
Afterward, he made guest appearances on shows like “Resurrection Blvd.,” “Eve,” and “The Bad Girl’s Guide.” In March 2006, Lopez joined the cast of the daytime soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful” as Dr. Christian Ramirez. However, he was released from his contract on July 18, 2006.
Later in the same year, Lopez had a guest-starring role on the FX Network’s “Nip/Tuck” during the show’s fourth season, playing a plastic surgeon who made Christian Troy jealous. He also appeared as a police officer on “George Lopez” in late 2006.
Mario Lopez’s Real Estate
In 1994, when he was just 21 years old, Mario Lopez bought a modest home in Burbank, California, for $240,000. He sold this house for a little over $1 million in mid-2022. In 2004, Lopez purchased a second home in Burbank for $1.25 million; he sold it in December 2022 for $2.09 million.
From August 2010 until mid-2022, Lopez’s primary residence was a Spanish-style home in Glendale, CA, which he bought for $1.95 million. In August 2022, he listed this house for sale at $6.5 million and made it available for rent at $25,000 monthly. Finally, in April 2023, he sold this property for $4.55 million.
In July 2022, Lopez acquired a 9,000-square-foot mansion in the LA suburb of La Cañada Flintridge for $9.4 million.
Net Worth of Other Notable TV Hosts
Kelly Ripa’s Net Worth
Kelly Ripa, renowned American television host, actress, and producer, captured the hearts of viewers with her dynamic presence on the hit morning talk show “Live! with Regis and Kelly,” co-hosted alongside Regis Philbin. Born on October 2, 1970, in Berlin, New Jersey, Ripa’s journey into the limelight began with her role as Hayley Vaughn on the soap opera “All My Children,” where she met her husband, Mark Consuelos. Their on-screen chemistry translated into real life, leading to marriage and three children. Her commitment to “Live!” evolved over the years, from co-hosting with Philbin to other variations like “Live! with Kelly and Michael” and “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” Alongside her successful career, she’s also made substantial real estate investments with her husband, including residences in New York City, Colorado, and the Hamptons. As of 2023, Kelly Ripa’s net worth stands at an impressive $120 million.
Phil Donahue’s Net Worth
Phil Donahue, an iconic American television personality, made significant contributions to daytime television throughout his illustrious career. Rising to fame with “The Phil Donahue Show” in 1967, the program became a staple in talk show history due to its innovative approach, marking Donahue as a pioneering figure in the industry. Spanning over decades, his broadcasting journey has been studded with numerous accolades, including 20 Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and induction into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. Beyond his television endeavors, Donahue has ventured into directing, co-directing the documentary “Body of War” in 2006. His successful career has significantly impacted Phil Donahue’s net worth, which is estimated at $150 million.