Despite holding down several jobs since then, Mario Lopez will forever be known as the mulleted, spandex-wearing jock A.C. Slater on “Saved by the Bell.” These days, he hosts both “Extra” and MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Still, it doesn’t matter. Say hello to A.C.
What is with the staying power of “Saved by the Bell”?
I couldn’t tell you. Maybe the innocence of it? There was a little something for everyone even though it was for kids. You didn’t have to think too much. It’s not a “CSI” plot. Just innocent fun.
I saw you on the cover of People magazine with the entire Bayside High gang. Why have none of you aged?
Aw, that’s nice. I was their hot bachelor last year or whatever, the cover for that. They asked me then if I’d be interested in doing a reunion with the cast. I said, “Yeah!” I had nothing but great memories. So they had it planned even a year before. They knew 2009 was the show’s 20th anniversary.
Dustin Diamond, who played the nerdy Screech, was a no-show. Do you think being identified as Screech traumatized him for life? There’s the sex tape, the wrestling, “Celebrity Fit Club.”
I was disappointed. He should have been there. I don’t keep in contact with him, but I never had any issues or problems. We always got along well. As for his [recent] activities, I guess you do what you gotta do, you know?
I’m loving “America’s Best Dance Crew” this season. Lots of diversity.
It’s an eclectic bunch, huh? Vogue Evolution [an all-gay dance crew] makes me smile. But I’m impressed by all of them. I think the girl crew, We Are Heroes, is great. I’ve been impressed by the last two seasons of girl groups. They’ve really been able to bring it. I’d like to see a female crew win.
What separates “Extra” from all the other entertainment news shows?
It’s the next generation of these kind of shows, with our interactivity and social networking. It’s really got a cool, younger, hipper feel, and it’s not as salacious. I try to talk to people as a friend and not be too newsy or anchor-y. Or, you know, sound old.
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ABC News: Gibson retiring, Sawyer will be anchor
Charles Gibson will retire from the “World News” anchor desk at the end of the year, and ABC News appointed Diane Sawyer on Wednesday to replace him in January.
Gibson, 66, said he had been planning to retire at the end of 2007 but events compelled him to stay. He was named anchor following the death of Peter Jennings and the wartime injury of Bob Woodruff in 2006. He’s been at ABC News for 35 years and says he plans to continue as an occasional contributor.
Sawyer’s elevation means that, with Katie Couric at CBS, two of the three leading anchors for the broadcast networks will be women. AP
