TV host and actor Mario Lopez marked his 50th birthday with a vibe of excitement rather than apprehension. “It’s strange, I think I’m so thrilled about being 50 that I haven’t fully processed it yet,” Mario, who celebrated the milestone on October 10 with a trip to Mexico surrounded by family and friends, told Closer. “It might not hit me until I turn 51. Then, I might think, ‘Wow, I’m officially on the other side now!’”
A Career That Shines Brighter With Time
Approaching life with a positive attitude has been key to Mario's success. In the '90s, he became a household name as A.C. Slater on the hit teen comedy Saved by the Bell. While he continued to act, Mario also found a new audience as a TV host. These days, he's juggling roles as co-host on NBC’s Access Hollywood and Access Daily. On top of that, he's a devoted husband and father to three school-age children: Gia, Dominic, and Santino.
Happy Birthday, Mario! Age is Just a Number, Right?
“It’s funny, I guest-starred on The Golden Girls back in 1987. Those ladies were in their early 50s! The character of Blanche was supposed to be 47. Thinking about that now, it’s wild to realize I’m in that age bracket. Time flies when you’re having fun, huh?”
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Is This What You Expected Turning 50 to Feel Like?
“To be honest, I feel fantastic. I’m still active in sports like jiujitsu and boxing, which keep me feeling alive. But there’s no denying that my body takes a little longer to recover these days. That’s a gentle reminder that I’m not as young as I used to be, but hey, I’m embracing it!”
How Did Your Upbringing Shape Your Versatility in Entertainment?
“Growing up, my mom encouraged me to try everything—dance, theater, wrestling, karate. I was the kid who did it all. Looking back, I think that diversity helped me create more opportunities for myself. It’s been a blessing to have the chance to explore so many different aspects of the entertainment world.”
Was Your Work Ethic Instilled in You by Your Parents?
“Absolutely. My parents taught me the value of hard work, and I carry that lesson with me every day. I try to lead by example, and it seems to have rubbed off on my kids—they’re involved in so many activities and work just as hard as I do.”
How Did You Get Into Acting?
“To be honest, it was kind of accidental. Acting was just one of the many things I did growing up. I lived in San Diego, which is only a couple of hours from L.A., but it felt like another world. One day, I got the call to audition for Saved by the Bell, and the rest is history.”
Who Inspired You Most in Your Career?
“Dick Clark had a huge impact on me. After we worked together on The Other Half, he became a mentor and a friend. He showed me what it meant to be a true professional in this industry. That’s when I decided, ‘I want to be like Dick Clark.’ He set the bar high, and I’m grateful for his guidance.”
What Sacrifices Have You Made for Your Career?
“The biggest sacrifice has been missing out on some of my kids’ activities. But I make it a point to be present whenever I can. For example, I coach their wrestling team. It’s important to balance work and family life.”
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What Are Your Favorite Memories From Saved by the Bell?
“Being on that show was a blast because we were all real teenagers playing teenagers. We shot during the summer, so it felt like one big adventure. Trips to Vegas and Hawaii stand out as personal highlights. Those were experiences I’ll cherish forever.”
How Did You Handle the Fame as a Teenager?
“To be honest, it wasn’t too overwhelming. Social media didn’t exist back then, so the attention wasn’t as intense. I was able to attend a regular high school and participate in sports, prom, and homecoming. It was a pretty normal experience, and I’m grateful for that.”
What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?
“I would tell my younger self to take things a little slower and enjoy the journey. There’s no rush. Life is about learning and growing, and I’ve come to appreciate that more as I’ve gotten older.”
Your Faith is an Important Part of Who You Are. How Does It Influence Your Life?
“I don’t talk about politics because I don’t want to alienate anyone. But I’m very open about my faith because it’s a core part of who I am. I believe people should do what’s best for themselves and their families. I’ve been surprised by how many people resonate with my message of positivity and gratitude.”
What’s the Secret to a Happy Marriage?
“There’s no secret—it’s all about having the right partner. My wife, Courtney Laine Mazza, is amazing. She understands me, and we both strive to make each other better every day. That mutual respect and understanding are the foundation of our relationship.”
What Do You Love Most About Being 50?
“I feel grounded and content. Professionally and personally, I’m in a great place. I’m blessed to have a wonderful family and a career I love. It’s a beautiful stage of life.”
What Does a Typical Day Look Like for You?
“My day starts with getting the kids ready for school. Then, I hit the gym for some jiujitsu. After that, I head to Universal Studios, where I work on three different shows. First, I tape my nationally syndicated radio show, On With Mario Lopez. Then, it’s time for Access Hollywood, followed by Access Daily. It’s a packed schedule, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
That’s a Lot to Juggle! What Else Keeps You Busy?
“I also host a podcast called The 3 Knockdown Rule and produce and host A Blank Slate for the Game Show Network. Recently, I worked on a documentary with Mark Wahlberg for HBO called The Golden Boy. There’s always something new on the horizon, and I love keeping busy!”
