Mario Lopez, the charismatic star who first won hearts as A.C. Slater on Saved by the Bell, is embracing his faith more boldly than ever as he navigates life in Hollywood. At 51, the actor, TV host, and devoted family man has made it clear that his spiritual life isn’t just a private matter—it’s the foundation of everything he does.

In a candid interview with Fox News Digital, Lopez shared how his faith remains central to his identity. “My faith is very important to me, and I’m vocal about it… I’m not ashamed,” he stated unapologetically.

Lopez, who shares three children with his wife Courtney, explained that faith is a cornerstone of his family life. “My kids are raised in a faith-based education. They all go to Catholic school,” he said. “It’s something that’s the infrastructure of our family, and I’m proud of that.”

Lopez has spent decades in the public eye, first achieving fame in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Despite Hollywood’s pressures, he credits his faith for helping him stay grounded.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to build more spiritual muscle,” Lopez reflected. “I think it also is no coincidence that because of that, things have been going really well for me. So, I feel very fortunate and very grateful for that.”

Lopez often shares his faith journey with his fans on social media. Recently, he posted a video of himself leaving a “beautiful” Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. His Instagram caption captured his gratitude: “What a blessed way to end the week here in NYC.”

In another heartfelt post, Lopez shared a sentiment many can relate to: “Once you hit a certain age, all you really want is God, family, stability and peace.”

In 2018, Lopez experienced a deeply moving spiritual milestone when he was baptized in the Jordan River, the same place where Jesus was baptized. Calling the experience “moving,” Lopez affirmed his faith publicly, confidently answering the priests’ questions with, “Yes, I do.”

Spiritual moment…#Baptized #JordanRiver #Catholic pic.twitter.com/d2dNGyCAUQ

— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) March 22, 2018

Lopez has successfully avoided the pitfalls that have plagued many child stars. He credits his parents’ strong values and unwavering support.

“My mom and dad, who are still very much together… [are] hardworking, blue-collar folks,” Lopez shared. “I don’t want to step out of line for fear of my dad.”

Reflecting on the pressures of fame, Lopez is thankful social media wasn’t around during his younger years. “I’m glad it wasn’t there when I was… I would’ve gotten pinched all over the place,” he joked.

Mario Lopez is proving that it’s possible to thrive in Hollywood without compromising your values. Whether he’s sharing a meaningful Bible verse on Instagram, starring in a heartwarming Christmas film, or walking the red carpet with his family, Lopez’s message is clear: faith, family, and gratitude come first.

For Lopez, building “spiritual muscle” isn’t just a personal mission—it’s a testimony to the transformative power of faith in a world that often prioritizes fame over values. As he boldly proclaims, “I’m not ashamed.”