Born in San Diego, California, on October 10th, 1973, to Mario Sr. and Elvira, Mario Lopez's first professional role was on the series, a.k.a. Pablo. Mario is probably best known to youngsters, however, as A.C. Slater from NBC's popular 1980s teen comedy series Saved by the Bell.

Among Mario's other credits are several other popular television series, such as Pacific Blue and the movies Colors, Depraved and Eastside. Mario has also proven himself as a talented presenter and has already hosted such series as Name Your Adventure, The Other Half and Pet Star.
1991 graduate of Chula Vista High School. Was an amateur wrestler while in high school, and was on his high school wrestling team. Has a younger sister, Marissa, who is married to Houston Texans linebacker, Kailee Wong. Mario Lopez was a state placewinner in California at 189 pounds in 1990, contrary to popular belief, he was not a state champion. He ended up taking 7th Place at the California State High School tournament as a senior. Athletics aside, his true passion in life is dancing. He has aspirations of one day dancing at Radio City music hall in New York City. Proposed to actress/model Ali Landry in summer 2003. Before being cast in Saved by the Bell, Lopez was a dancer. He is a talented drummer and played drums on the 80s show Kids Incorporated. In episode "Second Chance" of the fifth season, the ballet moves performed by Slater were in fact done by professional dancer/stunt man Martin P. Morales Jr. Is of Mexican descent. He allegedly cheated on his wife-to-be, actress Ali Landry, one day before the wedding and after the wedding. He was caught by onlookers cheating at his bachelor party. This is why Ali Landry got the marriage annulled. Briefly worked at Coggin Honda in Orlando, Florida.