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Mario Lopez: ‘What I Love Most Is Being A Dad’

Courtney Lopez/Instagram

Mario Lopez: ‘What I Love Most Is Being A Dad’

By Movieguide® Contributor

Mario Lopez took some time to shout out his family while receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

“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,” the actor and TV host said in his speech at the ceremony. 

Lopez shares daughter Gia, 14, and sons Dominic, 11, and Santino, 5, with wife Courtney Lopez. The whole family was in attendance at the star unveiling. 

Movieguide® previously reported on his Walk of Fame star:

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!”

“As great an honor as it is to submit my family name here, 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 continued. 

Lopez has previously spoken about the importance of being together as a family. In an interview with People, he spoke about his family’s traditions. 

“We really don’t have any staples other than obviously we’re all together as a family,” the SAVED BY THE BELL star said. “We just make sure we’re all together.”

He and Courtney have also worked together professionally. The pair met while starring in a Broadway production of A CHORUS LINE, and another one of the projects is about to premiere. 

The couple starred together in Great American Family’s MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS WISH, which sees Lopez star as Brian, mayor of the small town of Long Grove. 

“While decorating for Christmas with the residents, Brian discovers his childhood Christmas wish list which magically begins to come true, reminding Brian about the spirit and joy of the holiday,” Deadline reported of the movie’s plot. “Returning to town for Christmas is Brian’s childhood friend Nina Meyers (Courtney Lopez), and soon a connection becomes undeniable as she helps Brian face a new challenge for the town. As Brian’s wishes come true, he inspires the town to showcase its warm culture and values in order to stop the modern world from stifling the charm and heart of Long Grove.” 

Movieguide® previously reported on the movie:

The Lopezs are joining the Great American Family crew with an upcoming Christmas Movie, MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS WISH, featuring Mario and Courtney Lopez along with their son Dominic.

“We could not have imagined better creative partners to join our Great American team than Mario and Courtney Lopes,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media. “Mario and Courtney and the team around them are creative collaborators and absolutely devoted to telling stories that bring families together. The partnership is a Christmas wish come true for our company.”

MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS WISH is executive produced by Mark Robert, Jeff Stearns and Jemma Jones and is directed by Brian Herzlinger. Herzlinger also penned the screenplay with Megan Herzlinger.

The movie is the first Great American Family project Mario Lopez is working on after announcing a multi-year, multi-picture deal with the network.

“I look forward to creating uplifting, inclusive, and diverse content, viewed through a positive lens for all ages,” Lopez said. “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.”