Mario Lopez Says This Helped Him Make ‘Difficult’ Transition From Child Stardom
By Movieguide® Contributor
Mario Lopez is one of the few Hollywood stars who successfully navigated a transition from child star to adult actor, but he recently revealed the process was a challenge.
“SAVED BY THE BELL started when I was 15 and ran for four seasons, and it’s still on today, which is a trip,” Lopez told Variety. “We were actual teenagers playing teenagers, which I think is one of the reasons the show struck a chord with kids. We did it in the summertime because we were all minors, so it was like having a cool summer job. Then I went to a regular, big public school. I got to play sports and go to my prom and have a regular life when I wasn’t working.”
While some former child stars like to leave past projects behind, Lopez explained that he is “very grateful” for the show.
“The fact that people still bring it up or watch it or they recognize me, that’s cool. I have nothing but positive things to say about it,” he said.
Lopez did admit that there were some growing pains when it came time to transition into grown-up roles.
“It was really difficult because, just like any person that’s on a show for a while, you get typecast and even more so when you’re a kid, because then it takes everyone a minute to take you serious as an adult,” he explained. “That’s why I always have a lot of extra respect for actors who were once child actors, because I know how difficult that transition is. I know how tough it is, so a tip of the hat to them.”
The actor pointed to his skills as “a bit of a hustler” and his “strong work ethic” as what helped him make the transition successfully.
“I didn’t necessarily want to just limit myself to acting, so I got into hosting and producing,” Lopez explained. “The singing and dancing came in handy as well. I started to flex all those different creative muscles and was open to doing different things, whether it was Broadway or the hosting.”
He continued, “I love doing what I’m doing. I want to continue to be able to do that. I probably just kind of amp up more of the producing stuff and be able to tell more cool stories.”
Lopez’s work as an actor, producer and host was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“Mario Lopez’s star on the Walk of Fame is a well-deserved tribute to his impressive career as a television personality,” Ana Martinez, a producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said in a statement. “Many of us watched Mario grow up on the television screen and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is excited to honor him on his birthday! This award is definitely the cherry on top!”
One of Lopez’s upcoming projects includes an upcoming Christmas project for Great American Family.
“Throughout my career, I’ve aimed to create a body of work that appeals to diverse audiences and, above all, brings joy to people,” Lopez said in a statement about the partnership. “Joining Great American Media is immensely fulfilling. I look forward to creating uplifting, inclusive, and diverse content, viewed through a positive lens for all ages.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Lopez’s entry into the GAF family:
SAVED BY THE BELL star Mario Lopez is joining Great American Family for Christmas 2024.
With nearly forty years of experience behind the screen and as a NYT Best Seller and producer, GAF is proud to have him join the family.
“The former SAVED BY THE BELL heartthrob is set to play a ‘major part’ in Great American Christmas this October, according to the network, which is also home to fellow former ’90s TV teen dreams Danica McKellar and Candace Cameron Bure,” Entertainment Weekly reported. “Lopez’s first project will be a holiday film in which he’ll star alongside wife and Broadway star Courtney Lopez.”
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