In its effort to showcase diverse talent in front of the camera, Great American Media has signed host and actor Mario Lopez (“Access Hollywood,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”) to a multi-picture, multi-year deal that will see him star in content across the company’s vast media portfolio which includes linear networks Great American Family, Great American Faith & Living, Great American Pure Flix, Great American Adventures, and digital channel, Great American Faith & Home. Broader terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lopez, best known for his breakout role as A.C. Slater on NBC’s “Saved by the Bell,” will kick off his new deal by starring in a Great American Family original movie alongside his wife and Broadway star Courtney Lopez as part of the network’s Great American Christmas 2024 programming slate, which is set to return in October on the network.

“Mario Lopez has entertained millions of people for almost four decades,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “From his breakout role of A.C. Slater on ‘Saved by the Bell’ to his nightly presentations of Hollywood news on ‘Access Hollywood,’ the world loves Mario Lopez. We welcome Mario to Great American Media and look forward to his many creative contributions to our ever-growing, emerging brand of beloved faith and family entertainment.”

“Throughout my career, I’ve aimed to create a body of work that appeals to diverse audiences and, above all, brings joy to people,” Lopez said in a statement. “Joining Great American Media is immensely fulfilling. I look forward to creating uplifting, inclusive, and diverse content, viewed through a positive lens for all ages. At this stage in my life, family is the most important thing to me. Being able to share family-friendly stories representing diverse voices is a true blessing.”

In addition to his work as co-host of “Access Hollywood” and “Access Daily,” Lopez hosts the national iHeart radio program “On with Mario Lopez.” In 2008, Lopez made his Broadway debut in the revival of “A Chorus Line,” where he met his wife, Courtney. The couple has three kids: Gia, Dominic and Santino.

Lopez is represented by 3 Arts Entertainment, WME and Ken Lindner and attorney John Tishbi.