Mario Lopez rang in his 51st birthday on Oct. 10 by celebrating a major milestone in his acting career.
The Emmy Award-winning actor, who rose to fame on NBC’s hit teen sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—a Los Angeles landmark that recognizes the contributions of actors, directors, and other prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
“Today, I happen to be turning 51 years old, and I’m still blessed to be doing what I love the most. Only now, what I love most is being a dad.”
Lopez went on to express his heartfelt gratitude to his wife—actress and producer Courtney Lopez, 41—whom the “Pacific Blue” star described as one of his biggest blessings in life. The couple, who wed in 2012, share three children: daughter Gia, 14, and sons Dominic, 11, and Santino, 5.
“As great an honor as it is to cement my family name in the Walk of Fame here, what I’m most proud of is that my kids are here to see this,” the actor shared.
‘No Greater Reward’
Many of Lopez’s friends and relatives were present at the ceremony, including his mother, Elvia Lopez, who gushed over her son’s many accomplishments during her speech.“This is such an amazing honor for—not only my son—but for everyone in our family. We’re so grateful,” the actor’s mother shared.
“I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve been able to accomplish in your career, but I’m even more proud of everything that you were able to accomplish in your life—as a man, as a husband, and as a father.
“As a mom, there is no greater reward than that. Love you, and congratulations.”
Mark Wahlberg was also in attendance, sharing that he was “so happy and fortunate” to be celebrating his longtime friend, whose star was placed on Hollywood Boulevard right in front of the 53-year-old actor’s restaurant, Wahlburgers.
“I am very surprised that he hasn’t gotten this star and this acknowledgment a long time ago, but I know it’s well worth the wait,” Wahlberg said. “I know what it means to you, and especially, I know what it means to your mom and to your dad.”
The “Ted” star thanked Lopez for inviting him to speak at the ceremony.
“He’s somebody that I admire and I’ve looked up to for a long time. To be able to do all the things that he does—multi-task the way he does, but also balancing his family and the priorities of his children—it’s a wonderful balance, and he does it with ease,” Wahlberg said.
“I’m very, very impressed, and I wanted to thank you—tell you that I look up to you.
“I’m proud to call you my friend and my brother, my colleague, so thank you, buddy. Congratulations, well deserved.”
Acting Career
Lopez landed his first major acting role in 1984, performing on the children’s television program “Kids Incorporated” until departing the show in 1986.Three years later, the actor garnered his breakthrough role, portraying A.C. Slater on the teen sitcom “Saved by the Bell.” He reprised his part in several spin-offs, including “Saved by the Bell: The College Years” and “Saved by the Bell: The New Class.”
Lopez went on to star in “Pacific Blue,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “George Lopez,” “Nip/Tuck,” “General Hospital,” “Jane the Virgin,” “This Is Us,” and “The Rookie,” among other shows.
He is also known for hosting several entertainment news programs, including “Extra” and “Access Hollywood.”
Earlier this year, Great American Media announced that Lopez had signed a multi-picture, multi-year deal with the family-oriented media company.
The Texas-based company revealed that Lopez would star in content across its portfolio of cable television networks and streaming services, including Great American Faith & Living, Great American Pure Flix, and Great American Adventures.
“I look forward to creating uplifting, inclusive, and diverse content, viewed through a positive lens for all ages. At this stage in my life, family is the most important thing to me. Being able to share family-friendly stories representing diverse voices is a true blessing.”
The actor is set to star alongside his wife and eldest son in “Once Upon a Christmas Wish,” premiering on Dec. 7 on the Great American Family network.
