Mario Lopez reveals ‘pretty special’ moment watching son Dominic follow his showbiz path
The Saved by the Bell favorite has opened up about watching his 12-year-old son build his own Hollywood career as they prepare to appear together in a new Christmas movie.
Mario Lopez has revealed the pride he feels watching his 12-year-old son Dominic Lopez follow him into acting – more than four decades after he began his own career as a child performer.
The 52-year-old Saved by the Bell star spoke about Dominic at Variety’s recent Power of Young Hollywood event at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, where the father and son served as co-hosts.
Their latest collaboration comes after they filmed the forthcoming holiday movie Christmas at the Starlight, in which Dominic plays Mario’s on-screen son alongside Tony Danza.
Speaking to People, Mario said: “It’s a pretty special moment being that I was a former kid actor myself, and now getting to see my son sort of take this journey.”
He added: “It makes for a very special moment. We’re excited to be here.”
Mario began acting at 10, playing Tomás Del Gato in the sitcom a.k.a. Pablo.
He subsequently appeared in Kids Incorporated and The Golden Girls and made his movie debut in Colors before landing the role that made him famous – high school wrestler A.C. Slater in Saved by the Bell.
The sitcom began in 1989, with Mario starring alongside Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley, Lark Voorhies and the late Dustin Diamond.
Mario recently reunited with Mark-Paul, Tiffani and Elizabeth for a Saved by the Bell-themed Box Tops for Education campaign marking the programme’s 30th anniversary, with the former Bayside High stars also discussing what their children now make of the show.
His latest movie makes acting an even bigger family affair.
Christmas at the Starlight stars Tony as Frank, a veteran song-and-dance performer considering selling the family supper club he has run for 40 years, with Mario playing his son and Dominic his grandson.
The film was shot principally in Lewiston, New York, with additional filming in Buffalo.
Mario told People: “I saw a rough cut the other day – it turned out great.”
Discussing the three generations at the centre of the movie, he said: “Tony Danza plays a grandfather. I’m the father. (Dominic is) a grandson, and we’re tap dancing, a little singing.”
Mario added: “It’s a lot of heart to it, family-oriented, so (I’m) happy with the way it came out.”
He also praised Dominic’s performance, saying: “Dominic did a really, really good job. I’m very proud of him.”
Mario’s wife Courtney Lopez has also contributed to the movie by performing a song.
The couple are additionally parents to daughter Gia Lopez, 15, and son Santino Lopez, seven.
Dominic already has several acting credits.
Christmas at the Starlight is his second consecutive holiday movie following 2025’s Chasing Christmas, and he has also worked on Bad Counselors, directed by Chris Dowling.
He has additionally filmed scenes for the Kathy Bates-led reboot of Matlock.
Mario previously shared an Instagram photograph showing Dominic with Kathy, captioning it: “Just Nico casually solving crimes with screen legend Kathy Bates on Matlock.”
Christmas at the Starlight will premiere during the 2026 Great American Christmas season across Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix and GFAM+.
