THE TOPSY TURVY CAREER OF MARIO LOPEZ...HERE'S "THE SKINNY"
7/18/08We posted last time on Mario Lopez' life and career and the wild ride he has been on. Here is the confirmation as documented by our guest-blogger Connie Wilson...more truck stops than an interstate trucking route...
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Captain of the Los Angeles Armed Response team on GSN’s Extreme Dodgeball.
Contestant on “The Weakest Link”
Appeared on American Gladiators (’91). Lasted 3 rounds; won $20,000.
One of 4 co-hosts (along with Dick Clark and Danny Bonaduce!) of “The Other Half,” somebody’s answer to “The View.” (Please just slap me now).
Spoke to visitors waiting in line at Space Mountain ride as recently as 2001 (in film form).
“Killing Mr. Griffin”, an NBC-TV movie
“Outta’ Time” – played a college student who suffers a knee injury that costs him his college scholarship, forcing him to become a bicycle messenger transporting packages for a shady medical lab to make ends meet. Can’t understand why this one didn’t win an Oscar nomination.
Direct-to-video sci-fi thriller “Absolution” (1999)
“The Padre of Santa Rosa” (with Jimmy Smits) in 2000. He played a stock market savvy ex-con, which is a nice combination. (I think Michael Milken also may have played this part, only in real life.)
“Pacific Blue” – played Bobby Cruz, a bike patrol officer working undercover along the California beaches after being forced from the LAPD for the use of excessive force (USA Network).
Did a nude shower scene on “Nip/Tuck” (FX Network) in 2003, which led to him giving Dr. Troy (Julian McMahon) liposuction. (Doesn’t it always?)
Took a role on “The Bold and the Beautiful” in March, 2006, playing Dr. Christian Ramirez. Contract was not renewed (i.e., fired) on July 18, 2006, 2 months later.
“Extra” celebrity guest host. First assignment: the January 12, 2006 Golden Globes.
Was scheduled to do ringside commentary (read) alongside pro wrestler Bill Goldberg for EliteXC, a mixed martial arts show, but was replaced at the last minute. [Lopez actually did place 7th in his weight class in wrestling at state championships when in high school.]
Auditioned to take over for Bob Barker (3/12/07). Lost out to Drew Carey.
Has hosted the Miss Teen USA pageant (’98, ’03, Aug., ’07), the Miss America pageant (June, 2007), and the Miss Universe pageant (May, 2007).
Hosts “Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew”
Was on the third season of “Mind of Mencia”
Hosted “Pet Star” on Animal Planet
Author of Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness
ESPN2 And ESPN - Top Rank boxing on overseas broadcasts of Manny Pacquio’s fights
There you go...it's be a long bumpy ride but no one, with the success he has had in recent times, can argue it wasn't worth it.
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Our previous posts in the series are here:
Mario Lopez: More Twists and Turns Than Walt Disney's Scariest Roller Coaster Ride
Mario Lopez: Will Work For Food
Mario Lopez' Career...It's Been a Bumpy Ride...
Stay tuned for our last insert in the series...
Reader Comments (2)
Mario certainly underscores the dangers inherent in being an ex-child star.