From his early days as the fresh-faced jock A.C. Slater on Saved by the Bell to his long-standing role as a fixture of entertainment journalism on Access Hollywood, Mario Lopez has lived much of his romantic life in the public eye. His journey from high-profile teen heartthrob to a settled family man features a dramatic series of high-profile relationships, broken engagements, a famously brief first marriage, and a lasting union.
Understanding Mario Lopez's relationship history means looking past the headlines to examine the specific timeline of his partners, the lessons learned from public breakups, and how he ultimately built a stable family life.
Early Hollywood Romances and Teen Stardom
Back in the early 1990s, Lopez transitioned from a rising child actor to a bonafide teen idol. Naturally, his personal life became a magnet for tabloid attention.
Tiffani Thiessen
During the height of Saved by the Bell, Lopez dated his co-star Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski. The pair were together from 1991 to 1993. As two of the most recognizable young faces on television, their off-screen romance fueled endless teen magazine features. The relationship eventually ran its course as both actors navigated the transition out of their iconic high school roles, but they have maintained an amicable dynamic over the decades, even reuniting for nostalgic television appearances.
Jaime Pressly
In the late 1990s, Lopez was linked to actress Jaime Pressly. The pair dated briefly between 1997 and 1998 as they established their respective footprints in the entertainment industry. While the relationship was relatively short-lived compared to his multi-year commitments, it added to his growing reputation as one of Hollywood's prominent young bachelors.
The Ali Landry Relationship and Whirlwind Annulment
One of the most defining chapters in Lopez's personal history centers on his long-term relationship with actress and model Ali Landry.
The couple began dating in 1997, building a relationship that spanned roughly six years. In April 2004, they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. However, the marriage famously collapsed almost immediately.
Just weeks after walking down the aisle, the marriage was annulled. Reports surfaced that Landry discovered infidelity stemming from Lopez's bachelor party. Years later, Lopez publicly addressed the situation on Howard Stern’s SiriusXM show, candidly admitting that he wasn't mature enough for marriage at the time and that he handled the situation poorly. The rapid dissolution served as a major turning point in his personal accountability and public image.
Dancing with the Stars and Karina Smirnoff
Following his high-profile split from Landry, Lopez kept a relatively low profile until his 2006 appearance on season three of Dancing with the Stars. His chemistry with professional dance partner Karina Smirnoff translated off the dance floor, leading to a romance that lasted for roughly two years.
The couple became a favorite target for paparazzi and entertainment tabloids. However, the intense media scrutiny, combined with demanding work schedules, eventually led to an amicable split in 2008. Around this same period, brief tabloid rumors linked him to encounters with figures like Britney Spears, though those reports were fleeting.
Finding Stability with Courtney Mazza
Lopez's romantic trajectory shifted permanently in the fall of 2008 when he starred in the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line. There, he met Broadway dancer and actress Courtney Mazza.
Unlike his past high-pressure Hollywood romances, this relationship developed steadily away from the chaotic center of tabloid drama. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Gia, in 2010. Two years later, following an 11-month engagement, they married in a romantic ceremony in Punta Mita, Mexico, on December 1, 2012. Their wedding was even featured in a TLC special, showcasing a starkly different, family-oriented chapter for the host.
The couple has since expanded their family with the births of two sons, Dominic and Santino. Today, they frequently share glimpses of their domestic life through social media and collaborative projects, cementing a stable partnership that has endured for well over a decade.
Common Misconceptions About Mario Lopez's Dating Life
Because Lopez has spent nearly four decades in the public eye, several myths and outdated timelines often circulate online.
- The length of his first marriage: Many casual fans misremember his marriage to Ali Landry as lasting a few years. In reality, while they dated for six years, the actual legal marriage was annulled within weeks.
- Childhood sweetheart rumors: Tabloids occasionally retroactively attach teen pop stars to his early days, but his verified timeline shows steady, career-aligned relationships rather than childhood romances.
- Secret marriages: Despite persistent internet speculation over the years, Lopez has only been legally married twice: first to Ali Landry (annulled) and second to Courtney Mazza (enduring).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Mario Lopez been married?
Mario Lopez has been married twice. His first marriage to Ali Landry in 2004 ended in an annulment after two weeks. His second marriage to Courtney Mazza took place in 2012 and remains ongoing.
Who was Mario Lopez's first famous girlfriend?
His earliest high-profile public relationship was with teen pop star Fergie back in 1984 during their early youth, though his most famous early Hollywood romance was with his Saved by the Bell co-star Tiffani Thiessen in the early 1990s.
How did Mario Lopez meet his current wife, Courtney Mazza?
The couple met in New York City in 2008 while performing together in the Broadway revival production of A Chorus Line.
How many children does Mario Lopez have?
He shares three children with his wife Courtney Mazza: a daughter named Gia, and two sons named Dominic and Santino.
