Mario Lopez has been in the entertainment business for most of his life. He went from acting in shows and movies to hosting shows like Extra and The X Factor. He’s also written a number of books including a cookbook, a memoir and a couple of books on fitness, nutrition and health. He’s definitely multi-talented and he’s also the king of career reinvention! In celebration of his birthday, we have 9 things you didn’t know about the actor turned host:
9. Upbringing
Mario Lopez Jr. was born on October 10, 1973 in San Diego, California, to Elvira, a telephone company clerk, and Mario Sr., who worked for the municipality of National City. Both of his parents were Mexican immigrants. He grew up in Chula Vista, California, and attended Chula Vista High School where he was a wrestler. He made it pretty far in wrestling! He placed second in the weight class of 160 lbs in the San Diego Section and seventh in the state of California. He graduated from Chula Vista in 1991.