Mario López has been a permanent fixture in America’s consciousness starting when he first burst onto the scene in 1989 as A. C. Slater in the “Saved by the Bell” television series. Since then he has been a symbol of Latino success… and fitness. He credits a great deal of that fitness shine to his diet, specifically his appetite for dairy. It’s fitting that now it all comes full circle as he joins the campaign for Undeniably Dairy. We sat down with the multi-faceted entertainer to learn the factors that drive his continued triumphant spirit.

Lopez has been a host and actor since the age of 16, appearing on several television series, films, and on Broadway. Beginning with “Saved by the Bell,” and moving on to numerous projects, including the third season of “Dancing with the Stars” and as host for the syndicated entertainment news magazine show “Extra.”

Dancing with the Stars

He has also hosted “America’s Best Dance Crew” for MTV, and “The X Factor.”  He has published three books.
In 2012 Lopez began hosting his own nationally syndicated radio show, ON With Mario Lopez, for Premiere Radio. It streams online daily on iHeartRadio and airs on selected CHR and Hot AC stations (particularly on KBIG-FM/Los Angeles) throughout the U.S. He’s also the host of  the Hot AC edition of the iHeartRadio Countdown.

Fitness and health is serious business, and a constant dietary element for Lopez, wife Courtney and kids Gia and Dominic is dairy. It makes perfect sense that now the “Extra” host will partner with the Undeniably Dairy campaign.

More and more people want to know where their food comes from and about the people who make it. That’s why Undeniably Dairy is connecting people with the farmers and the dairy community behind the real, nutrient rich and responsibly produced dairy foods they love. And, at the same time working to bring the joy of dairy back to people across the U.S.

Mario Lopez for the Undeniably Dairy campaign

HOMBRE: What can you tell us about the Undeniably Dairy campaign?
Mario Lopez: I’m happy to partner with Undeniably Dairy. They’re all about getting the family to the dinner table and essentially putting their phones away because so many people, more than half actually have devices, so it’s very distracting and difficult to connect. It defeats the whole purpose of getting together. The rule at Casa Lopez is you put away everything and talk as a family. I love that they’re all about all that, and dairy is just a staple at our house too. I grew up drinking a gallon of milk a day, and we go through a lot of milk with the kids with their cereal. And who doesn’t love cheese and ice cream. Milk is also a great source of protein and very nutritious and inexpensive, so we love it. I love what the campaign is about and I was happy to partner with them.

H: How did you become involved?
ML: They approached me, and we talked about what the initiative was and I totally agree. That’s how we as a family like to live our lives. I approve of the messaging and it’s something I can get behind.

Mario Lopez with wife Courtney and kids Gia (6) and Dominic (3)

H: We’re including one of your recipes here, how often do you cook?
ML: I cook breakfast often for the kids, pretty much every morning. But then my wife cooks at night. On the weekend we try to do it as a family, and get the kids involved. We try to get them to eat more, different kinds of food. They try to stick to their pizza or chicken fingers; so we try to get them involved, and encourage other parents as well. They’ll be more prone to try different stuff.

H: What is the determining factor when you support a cause or a campaign?
ML: It has to be authentic to who I am and what I represent. They have to stand by the same things that I do. Family, food, fitness, faith, fun; those are sort of the Lopez F’s that I try to instill and portray.

Mario Lopez photographed exclusively for HOMBRE by Paul Tirado

H: What has been your routine to always remain fit?
ML: I loved milk since I was a kid. Like I said, it has protein and is very nutritious and I still drink to this day. I love food in general. I don’t discriminate and when it comes to food I like everything and I eat everything

H: Why should our audience participate in this campaign?
ML: It’s important, nothing is more important than family. You should make it a priority to stay connected with them and the best way to do that is over a meal. Something as simple as putting down your phone or your device can really help you stay connected.

H: What is your advice for success?
ML: There is no secret or formula. I’m a child of immigrants and my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic, be a good person, and do the right thing. I try to work hard and do the right thing and hopefully the right things happens. You have to be flexible in your approach and how you’re going to get there and be open minded. But there are no short cuts. You just have to roll up you sleeves and do it

H: What’s next for you?
ML: I’m happy to be doing “Extra” for ten years now, and a radio show for another five. I have my YouTube channel, another show I’m doing for A&E called “Food Quest.” I feel very blessed. Happy to be doing this campaign; it’s what I believe in, and what we’re all about.

Mario Lopez photographed exclusively for HOMBRE by Paul Tirado