CHICAGO (NewsNation) — American actor and television host Mario Lopez is best known for his role as A.C. Slater in “Saved by the Bell” and hosting entertainment news for “Extra” and “Access Hollywood.”
Now, he’s putting on his ear muffs and peacoat as he films his new holiday movie, “My Grown-Up Christmas Wish,” which will debut in November.
Lopez spoke with NewsNation’s “Morning in America” about his new film, his family dynamics on set, his time as A.C. Slater and what he’s planning on doing next.
The following is Lopez’s conversation with “Morning in America” anchor Markie Martin, edited for clarity.
‘My Grown-Up Christmas Wish’
Q: We’re here on set with Mario Lopez. How is Illinois treating you?
A: Illinois has been amazing. I love the people here. They’ve embraced us. And it’s really a love letter to this wonderful town, Long Grove.
Q: You scoped out a lot of American towns.
A: Well, we wanted to be in the Midwest, we wanted it to be where it was still somewhat cold. Boy, it’s a different kind of cold here.
Q: This is not California.
A: No. I mean, a Southern California kid like me, you get spoiled. It’s like — wow — we were difficult to deal with. But, you know, it’s a holiday movie, so we still wanted to have that sort of feel.
Q: The movie’s called, “My Grown-Up Christmas Wish.” Tell us a little bit more about the plotline and what people can expect.
A: I play the mayor of this town I grew up in, and I don’t want it to change. Then developers come to the town and want to start taking it over. It’s kind of a little bit of a “Yellowstone” vibe. Then, there’s a little bit of “Groundhog Day” vibes because a wish list that I made as a child starts to come true as I’m an adult. There’s some singing and dancing, which I love. My wife and son are in the movie, which makes it extra special. My son plays a young journalist and he’s interviewing me throughout and sort of helps me recognize what the town’s really about, what it has to offer. My wife plays someone who left the town and returns, and we reconnect. We keep each other on our toes. She’s got great timing and she’s really talented. We met when we were on Broadway.
Down memory lane with A.C. Slater
Q: My real Mario Lopez question that I have — he has not changed, what are you doing? The skin care? What is your secret? You’re still A.C. Slater.
A: Man, I drink a lot of tequila. I think that helps and keeps me embalmed, keeps me pickled.
Q: Can we talk about Bayside (High School) for a second? You started when you were 15.
A: 15 and I’m 50 now. So, that’s a long time ago.
Q: It was a part of so many people’s childhoods. Do you get tired of people coming up to you and saying, “Oh my gosh, A.C. Slater?”
A: No, I get flattered that they still recognize me from it. It’s like 35-something years later. We got a reboot recently that I thought should have gone a little longer, went a couple of seasons. I was proud of that, but I have nothing but fond memories.
What’s next for Mario Lopez?
Q: What’s left on your bucket list that you’d like to accomplish?
A: I feel very fortunate to be doing everything that I’m doing at the moment. I just want to continue doing more of that and incorporating more of the family and do more producing.
