Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar was born on March 1, 1974, in Panorama City, Los Angeles. He grew up as the youngest of four children in a culturally diverse family. His father, Hans, had Dutch and German Jewish roots, while his mother, Paula, was born in Bali, Indonesia, and worked as a hostess for KLM. His siblings, Mike, Linda, and Sylvia, were born in the Netherlands, and Dutch was spoken often at home, giving him an early exposure to multiple languages and cultures. This background helped shape his identity and gave him a unique perspective from a young age.
Mark-Paul’s first steps into the entertainment world came early. At only five years old, he began modeling and appearing in commercials. Growing up in Santa Clarita Valley and attending William S. Hart High School, he maintained his passion for performing and took small roles before his career-changing breakthrough.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar |
|---|---|
| Born | March 1, 1974 |
| Age (2025) | 51 years old |
| Birthplace | Panorama City, Los Angeles, USA |
| Height | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Parents | Hans Gosselaar and Paula van den Brink |
| Siblings | Mike, Linda, Sylvia |
| Spouse | Catriona McGinn (m. 2012), Lisa Ann Russell (m. 1996–2011) |
| Children | Michael Charles, Ava Lorenn, Dekker Edward, Lachlyn Hope |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Active Years | 1986–present |
| Net Worth | Around $6 million |
| Notable Roles | Zack Morris (Saved by the Bell), John Clark Jr. (NYPD Blue), Peter Bash (Franklin & Bash) |
Rise to Stardom
The role that catapulted Gosselaar to fame was Zack Morris in Saved by the Bell, which aired between 1989 and 1993. The mischievous, charismatic Zack quickly became a cultural icon of the late eighties and early nineties. For many, he defined the archetype of the high school cool kid, and the role gave him a fan following that endures to this day.
Although Saved by the Bell could have easily typecast him as a teen heartthrob, Mark-Paul worked deliberately to expand his career. He reprised Zack Morris in spin-offs like Saved by the Bell: The College Years and later returned for the 2020 reboot, but also moved into more serious acting. His performances in NYPD Blue as Detective John Clark Jr., Franklin & Bash as Peter Bash, and Mixed-ish as Paul Johnson demonstrated his versatility. Most recently, he appeared in NBC’s drama Found, playing against type as a darker, more complex character.
Personal Life and Family
As of 2025, Mark-Paul Gosselaar is 51 years old. He stands around six feet tall, with a lean and athletic build that reflects his active lifestyle. His personal life shows that, despite Hollywood success, his deepest commitments are to his family. He married Lisa Ann Russell in 1996, and together they had two children, Michael Charles and Ava Lorenn. After their divorce in 2011, he remarried in 2012 to advertising executive Catriona McGinn. With Catriona, he has two more children, Dekker Edward and Lachlyn Hope.
In interviews, Gosselaar has been candid that he sees himself as a father before anything else. He chooses his projects carefully, ensuring that they leave room for family life. His children are part of what grounds him, and he has spoken about how their reactions to his career—sometimes unimpressed by Saved by the Bell reruns—keep him humble and connected to what matters most.
Passions and Lifestyle
Outside of acting, Mark-Paul Gosselaar lives a life filled with passions and pursuits. He is an avid race car driver, cyclist, and dirt biker, and he has also earned a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. These interests aren’t just hobbies; they are part of how he maintains balance in a demanding industry. They reflect discipline, adventure, and a need for challenge beyond the cameras.
He is also a licensed pilot, enjoying the freedom of flying, and he remains physically active, often emphasizing health and fitness as a priority. These pursuits show that his life is more than Hollywood; it’s about balance and the fulfillment of personal goals.
Net Worth and Career Achievements
Mark-Paul Gosselaar has built a career of over three decades, and his estimated net worth is around six million dollars. While financial success is part of his story, it is not the core of his legacy. His true achievements are in the longevity of his career, his ability to reinvent himself in new roles, and his refusal to let one character define him.
From teen icon to respected actor, he has consistently proven that he can adapt to changing times and audiences. His career reflects steady growth rather than quick stardom, giving him staying power that few child actors manage to achieve.
Pop Culture and Legacy
For many fans, Gosselaar will always be Zack Morris, the clever high school schemer who could charm teachers and break the fourth wall. Yet his legacy is deeper. He has become an example of how to balance fame with family, personal fulfillment, and integrity. His return in the Saved by the Bell reboot introduced him to a new generation, while shows like Found prove he continues to evolve.
His presence in pop culture extends beyond television. Internet memes, nostalgic rewatches, and his continued relevance in interviews and appearances make him a familiar figure. Unlike many who fade after teen stardom, Gosselaar’s career demonstrates resilience.
Conclusion
Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s legacy is more than a resume of roles. It is the story of a man who found fame young, embraced the opportunities it gave him, and still chose to keep family and passion at the heart of his life. At 51, he remains a working actor, a devoted husband, a father of four, and a person who finds joy in both screen and personal pursuits. His life reflects a balance that many aspire to: success without losing connection to what matters most.
READ MORE: Jodie Sweetin Net Worth: Inside the Actress’s Career and Life Beyond TV
FAQs
What is Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s age in 2025?
He is 51 years old, born on March 1, 1974.
How tall is Mark-Paul Gosselaar?
He stands about six feet tall, with a lean and athletic build.
Who is Mark-Paul Gosselaar married to?
He is married to Catriona McGinn since 2012, and they share two children together.
What is Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around six million dollars, earned through decades of acting.
What are Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s hobbies?
He enjoys race car driving, cycling, dirt biking, flying, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
