Dive into the rollercoaster of Mario Lopez's love life—from his whirlwind romances to his enduring marriage—and discover the surprising twists that shaped this Hollywood heartthrob's path to happily ever after. You might think you know the man from 'Saved by the Bell' and 'Dancing with the Stars,' but his journey through relationships is packed with highs, lows, and lessons that could make anyone question what true commitment really means. But here's where it gets controversial: infidelity and quickie marriages that left fans buzzing. Stick around to uncover the details—and maybe even rethink your own views on celebrity scandals.
Updated just 37 seconds ago on Oct 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM GMT+1
Mario Lopez has been happily taken ever since he began his romance with Courtney Mazza back in 2008. Before committing to her and starting a family with three kids, he navigated a series of partnerships, including one short-lived marriage marred by betrayal. Even though that first wedding fizzled out in just two weeks, Mario seems drawn to lasting connections, often staying in relationships that span several years. Keep reading to explore the intriguing timeline of the 2025 Daytime Emmys host's romantic adventures.
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Mario and Courtney tied the knot in 2012
Courtney Mazza
Mario has shared his life with his spouse, Courtney, since they exchanged vows in December 2012, following their initial meeting in 2008 during the Broadway reboot of 'A Chorus Line.' Their bond faced a test when it became long-distance after Mario headed back to Los Angeles, while Courtney stayed in New York for her role in Broadway's 'The Little Mermaid.' As she recounted in a candid Q&A on their YouTube channel, 'We could either grow apart very easily or end up missing each other so much, and luckily, he missed me, and here I am now.'
They celebrated their union on December 1, 2012, in the picturesque Punta Mita, Mexico, complete with a lively mariachi band and a wedding cake crafted by none other than 'Cake Boss' star Buddy Valastro. Today, the pair is proud parents to three children: daughter Gia Francesca, who arrived on September 11, 2012; son Dominic 'Nico' Luciano, born on September 9, 2013; and son Santino Rafael, whom they affectionately dubbed 'a Christmas miracle,' making his entrance on July 7, 2019. It's a heartwarming example of how distance and dedication can strengthen a relationship, turning what could have been a breakup into a beautiful family story.
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Mario and Karina shared two years together
Karina Smirnoff
Mario participated in season three of 'Dancing with the Stars' in 2006, and it wasn't just the dance steps that stole the show. He and his professional dance partner, Karina, developed a real connection and spent two years dating afterward.
Following their breakup, Mario shared through his representative: 'Karina and I have the utmost respect for each other. She is a phenomenal and talented woman. I support her always and feel blessed to have her in my life.' In a chat with People magazine, Karina reminisced about Mario, saying: 'I thought that he was extremely hot and charming. We actually tried to fight the attraction as long as we could. But obviously, that didn't last too long at all.' This fling-turned-relationship shows how on-screen chemistry can sometimes spill over into real life, proving that dance can be more than just a performance—it's often the spark for deeper bonds.
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Mario and Ali's marriage lasted a mere two weeks
Ali Landry
Prior to Courtney, Mario was briefly wed to Ali, but the marriage crumbled almost as soon as it began. The duo had been together for six years after crossing paths at the 1998 Miss Teen USA pageant, yet their wedding in April 2004 was nullified after only two weeks because of Mario's cheating. 'Not even a week after, I found out that it was, like, a Tiger Woods situation,' Ali revealed on the Unfolding Leadership podcast. 'It was, you know, cheating across the board, with some women for one year, some women for two years… moving forward, like, it was devastating. It was truly, like, devastating.'
In his 2014 book, 'Just Between Us,' Mario confessed he got 'too friendly' with another woman during his bachelor festivities. 'It was a five-day nonstop party,' he wrote. 'Suffice it to say, my good time was a little too good because I got inebriated and a little too friendly with a young lady on spring break at one of the stops in some university party town.' He continued: 'When it was time to return home, lightning hit me with the truth: I wasn't in love. But I walked down the aisle [anyway].' And this is the part most people miss—how raw honesty in memoirs can reveal the human side of celebrities, prompting us to wonder: Can one mistake define an entire relationship, or is there room for growth? This controversy has sparked endless debates; some say infidelity is unforgivable, while others argue personal evolution matters more. What do you think—should high-profile figures face harsher judgment, or does everyone deserve a second chance?
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Mario had a romantic stint with his 'Saved by the Bell' costar, Tiffani Thiessen
Tiffani Thiessen
Mario and his 'Saved by the Bell' colleague, Tiffani, went out for 'a while' in the '90s while filming the iconic series. When questioned about whether he'd ever 'hooked up' with a fellow cast member on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' in 2019, Mario replied: 'Just as a gentleman, I'm not one to kiss and tell ever. However, it wasn't a hookup, but, you know, I've talked about this before, she was my girlfriend for a while, Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly.'
He elaborated: 'It's funny, 'cause I went to regular high school and she used to wear my letterman's jacket from my real high school and stuff. But now, she's my dear friend, and it's funny 'cause our kids actually play together. So, we'll get together, our kids play together, and stuff.' It's a charming example of how young crushes from set can evolve into lifelong friendships, especially when kids are involved—proving that not every on-screen romance leads to heartbreak.
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Fergie planted Mario's first kiss
Fergie
The singer Fergie shared Mario's very first kiss while they co-starred on the kids' show 'Kids Incorporated,' which ran in the 1980s and '90s. 'Oh, he had beautiful, soft lips,' Fergie recalled on 'Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen' in 2017, giving their smooch a perfect 10 out of 10. 'It wasn't that extensive but, yeah, and having feelings at that age,' she added, describing Mario as a 'little player' with the ladies even as a kid. This innocent beginning highlights how early experiences can shape future charmers, and it's fun to imagine how such a sweet memory lingered for decades.
What are your thoughts on Mario's journey? Do you believe his past mistakes make his current happiness more meaningful, or does infidelity leave an unforgivable stain? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss!
