LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — It was a big day in Hollywood for Mario Lopez.
The actor who rose to fame as A.C. Slater on the hit teen sitcom “Saved By the Bell” received a star on the illustrious Walk of Fame.
“How proud am I of my son?” exclaimed Lopez’s mom who spoke during the ceremony.
Elvia revealed that Lopez was “very hyper” growing up. Because he was “prone to getting in trouble” by having “too much time on his hands,” she decided to put her “wild child” into various activities.
“He’s the only dancing, wrestling, karate kid in Chula Vista,” she told the crowd. “I made sure to keep him busy and he’s stayed busy ever since and now he’s here receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. See how things work out when you listen to mama, mijo?”
The honor also came on the television host’s 51st birthday. Regardless of his age, Elvia explained he would always be her baby.
Lopez’s longtime friend, actor Mark Wahlberg, also spoke at the ceremony.
“I’ve been watching this guy on television since I was a baby. He was like this buff dude with the mullet and the tank top and I come and meet him and he’s two years younger than me! How’s that even possible?” joked Wahlberg.
The “Feliz NaviDAD” actor’s star is located in front of Wahlburgers, a restaurant owned by Wahlberg and his brothers Donnie and Paul. However, “The Union” actor claimed he had nothing to do with the location.
“He thinks I had something to do with this, I promise you I didn’t. If I could, I would’ve put my own star here,” Wahlberg laughed.
When it was Lopez’s turn to speak, he joked that his star’s location should ensure “free burgers for life.”
He then went on to reflect on his four-decade career.
Lopez thanked the legendary Norman Lear and Dick Clark who he credited for being very influential in his career. Lear gave Lopez his first professional job at 10 years old on the sitcom “a.k.a. Pablo.” Clark, who Lopez called a dear friend and mentor, recalled when Clark advised him to take up hosting.
“He said ‘Mario, there are a lot of great actors out there but there are very few great hosts,'” Lopez said.
Acknowledging his mom for keeping him busy growing up, Lopez reflected on the value of time.
“Time is the most valuable thing we have. Work hard while you have it, it’s not good enough to just spend it. You’ve got to use it,” he advised. “Well, I’ve used my time over the last 40 years doing what I love most.”
He recounted doing “every type of job you could think of” in the television and film business.
“Sitcoms, dramas, soaps, Daytime talk, Nighttime talk, gameshow host, award show host, radio show host, podcast (host). I even did Broadway, where I met my beautiful wife. I wrote a few books. I even went on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ because my mom wanted me to do it. I’ve been memed and gifed on social media. I’ve been spoofed on ‘SNL’ a bunch. I’m even creeping on hotel rooms while on vacation!”
“I’ve had my share of wins along the way and losses, but I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve loved every second of it,” he explained.
Lopez went on to express his love for his career and show business.
“I recognize that I’m incredibly blessed to be doing this after all this time,” he continued. “Now I’m honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I’m beyond grateful.”
The former “X Factor” host called the honor an “incredibly special moment” especially because he gets to celebrate it with his parents, sister, wife and children.
Oscar De La Hoya, NBCUniversal Local Chairwoman Valari Staab, Lopez’s Access Hollywood colleagues Kit Hoover and Zuri Hall also attended the ceremony.
