Mario Lopez is an American actor and television host with a career spanning over four decades. He was born on October 10, 1973, in Chula Vista, California, to Mexican immigrant parents. He attended Chula Vista High School, where he was active in wrestling and drama before pursuing a professional acting career.

Lopez was discovered by a talent agent at a recital when he was 10. He began his career by appearing in advertisements and commercials before transitioning to TV. His breakthrough came in 1989, when he was cast as A.C. Slater on Saved by the Bell, a role that made him a teen idol. 

He later pivoted into hosting, joining Extra in 2008 — a position he held for over a decade — before joining Access Hollywood and Access Daily with Mario & Kit. Outside of his TV career, Lopez has authored several books and frequently appears on radio and digital media platforms. He married actress and producer Courtney Mazza in 2012, and the couple has three children.