Hollywood Walk of Fame Honors Host and Actor Mario Lopez

Mario Lopez, the esteemed host of “Access Hollywood,” has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony took place on Thursday, October 10, marking not only his 51st birthday but also a significant milestone in his career. Lopez was joined by his family, including his wife, Courtney Lopez, and their three children, Gia, 14, Dominic, 11, and Santino, 5, as they celebrated the occasion.

While addressing the audience at the ceremony, Lopez expressed his gratitude and pride, stating, “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.” He highlighted the importance of having his children present, adding, “What I’m most proud of is that my kids are here to see this — so they know that if they don’t just spend their time but use their time, they can achieve anything they want in their lives.”

Lopez, who is originally from Chula Vista, California, has had a prolific career spanning over four decades. He is known for his breakout role in the 1989 television series “Saved by the Bell,” where he played the iconic character A.C. Slater. Reflecting on his journey, Lopez shared stories from his early days traveling to Los Angeles with his father for auditions, reminiscing about staying in modest hotels on Hollywood Boulevard.

Despite his busy schedule juggling multiple hosting roles on NBC’s “Access Hollywood” and several iHeart radio programs, Lopez continues to pursue acting. His recent work includes the holiday film “Once Upon a Christmas List” for Great American Family, where he stars alongside his wife and their son, Dominic. Lopez is also involved in producing various projects, showcasing his diverse talents within the entertainment industry.

Acknowledging the challenges faced during his transition from a teen star to adult roles, Lopez credited his determination and work ethic for his continued success. He advised aspiring actors, “Work hard, stay focused, try to do the right thing, and eventually the right things, I think, will happen for you.”

The television host has not only established a successful career but also ventured into entrepreneurship with a brand bearing his name, offering men’s and boys’ footwear, childrenswear, personal grooming tools, sleepwear, and a men’s fragrance line.