Mario Lopez Biography

Mario Lopez, actor, television personality

Birthdate: October 10, 1973

Birthplace: San Diego, CA

Sign: Libra

Mario Lopez, Jr. was born in San Diego, California to Mario Lopez, Sr. and Elvia, who were both born in Mexico. He attended high school at the Creative and Performing Arts in Chula Vista and graduated in 1990.

He started his career in 1985, taking the role of the younger brother in the ABC comedy series "a.k.a. Pablo" while also starring on "Kids Incorporated" as a drummer and a dancer.

His big break came when he took the role as A.C. Slater on the popular teen series "Saved by the Bell" which stayed on air for five years and helped gain him popularity with the teen generation of the time.

Lopez went on to host various television shows including Animal Planet's "Pet Star" and ESPN's "ESPN Hollywood." He also had a couple of guest stints on "The Weakest Link" and "American Gladiators," later going on to host the Family Channel game show "Masters of the Maze."

In March 2006, he was cast as the role of Dr. Christian Ramirez on soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful," but left the show in July, just 4 months later. He also appeared on "Nip/Tuck" on the FX Network during the fall of 2006.

Lopez entered the spotlight again when he starred on "Dancing with the Stars" on ABC for the third season in 2006, dancing with partner Karina Smirnoff. The pair finished in second, losing to celebrity Emmitt Smith and partner Cheryl Burke.

Lopez began working as a celebrity guest host for "Extra" in January of 2006, but was brought on as a weekday host in September of 2008.

Other credits for Lopez include the made for television movie "Husband for Hire" and being named by People magazine as the Hottest Bachelor in June of 2008. He also made his Broadway debut in April of 2008 as the role of Zach in "A Chorus Line."

Mario's personal life includes one short marriage to Ali Landry in May of 2004 that lasted only two weeks until Landry had the marriage annulled, citing infidelity. He also dated former dancing partner, Karina Smirnoff for two years until the relationship ended in June of 2008.