As it is said, behind every great man is an even greater woman.
Mario Lopez and wife Courtney Lopez proved that point when they starred together in their first Great American Family Holiday movie, “Once Upon a Christmas Wish.”
However, working with a spouse isn’t always easy, and Mario admitted there were some challenges.
“I would say the biggest challenge is that you still have to balance being a husband and a co-worker,” Mario told Fox News Digital.
“Sometimes, pay attention to when and tone you express certain things, because. , , You may be talking to her as an actress, but she’s still listening as a wife. , , That was challenging.”
Despite what the couple may face, Mario said that he and his wife always “get through it” as they continue to work together on several projects, including a radio show and on occasion together. Also includes hosting “Access Daily”.
“He’s fast and talented, so I enjoy it,” Mario gushed.
He continued to describe an “incredible time” working on his first Great American Family Christmas film with his wife and son, Dominic.
“I thought, what could be a better way than this. , , “I wanted to start this relationship rather than a project with my real family and my wife, who is extremely talented,” he added.
“We met on Broadway. We have to show all his skills. , , We were singing and dancing. , , We had some romance. My son Dominic did a great job, he impressed me a lot. And the film had a lot of heart. I’m really happy with the way it turned out.”
The “Access Hollywood” host met his wife, Courtney, when they worked together on the Broadway musical “A Chorus Line” in 2008.
In his heartwarming holiday movie, Mario plays Mayor Brian Ortega as he discovers his childhood Christmas wish list. Brian’s childhood friend Nina Meyers, played by Courtney, returns to town for Christmas. The two form a romantic relationship during the holiday season.
In real life, the acting couple has been together for the past 15 years, and recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary.
While Hollywood marriages are often short-lived, the “Saved by the Bell” star shared the secret to her successful relationship.
“He’s the quarterback of the team. , , I just let him call the plays and listen accordingly,” Mario quipped.
“We respect each other, and she understands that the schedule is a little weird, and I support her… We make it all about the kids. I am very happy with my life right now. I feel very blessed and fortunate.”
One of the couple’s three children, 11-year-old Dominic, also starred in “Once Upon a Christmas Wish.”
While Dominic has previously made guest appearances in other projects, Mario points out that this is the first film in which he has starred.
“He was very well prepared, and I didn’t have to give him too many notes. , , He really liked it, and he was a natural. I’m very proud of him,” Mario told Fox News Digital.
“For a little bragging rights as a dad, in between shooting this movie, he also entered a wrestling tournament and jujitsu tournament in Chicago. , , Got first place in both.”
Mario and Courtney got married in 2012 in Punta Mita, Mexico. The couple has three children – Gia, Dominic and Santino.
The Hollywood actor joins the talent list for the first Great American Family Christmas Festival, including ‘Full House’ star Candace Cameron Bure and ‘The Wonder Years’ star Danica McKellar. Bure became chief creative officer of the Great American Family Channel in 2022.
He explained in detail why the company decided to create this holiday experience.
“We’ve been dreaming of this for many years, and we really wanted to create an environment where you can bring the whole family and enjoy Christmas. “It’s like being in one of our movies,” Bure previously told Fox News Digital.
Burr stars in “The Queen of Christmas Movies”, “Home Sweet Christmas”, “A Christmas Less Traveled” with Eric Johnson and “Let It Snow” with Jesse Hutch.
McKellar has been writing for Great American Family Media, as well as starring in its films, including “A Cinderella Christmas Ball.”
During the holiday event, festival-goers can take pictures with Santa, go ice skating and enjoy great food and games.
The Great American Family Christmas Festival is held at Northwell Park in New York’s USB Arena and is scheduled to run through December 24.
