Mayan Lopez (left) with Mario Lopez.Photo:Mayan Lopez/Instagram
Mayan Lopez/Instagram
Mario LopezandGeorge Lopez’s daughter,Mayan Lopez, go way back!The actor and television host, 51, tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview ahead of his guest-starring role onLopez vs. Lopezthat he has known Mayan, 28, since she was young. In fact, while he was a host onTheX Factor, he showed up for her in a huge way that she has never forgotten.“George and I have been friends for a long time,” Mario tells PEOPLE. “And I have known Mayan since she was a little girl.““I remember when I was hostingX Factor, I got herOne Directiontickets and I was her hero for a long time because of that,” recalls Mario, who hosted the American version ofTheX Factorfor the final two seasons in 2012 and 2013. “She always brings it up because she loved it.“One Direction famously formedon the British version of the music competition show. The band, comprised ofthe late Liam Payne,Niall Horan,Zayn Malik,Harry StylesandLouis Tomlinson, appeared as a musical guest multiple times in season 2 of the U.S. version.(L-R) George Lopez, Matt Shively, Mayan Lopez and Mario Lopez in ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’.Nicole Weingart/NBCBesides his bond with Mayan, Mario also has a longstanding friendship with her father George, 63. (Despite their shared surname, George and Mayan are not related to Mario.)Their friendship led to his guest-starring role in the season 3 finale ofLopez vs. Lopez, airing Friday, Feb. 7. In the NBC sitcom, Mario plays Manny, George’s lawyer cousin and a fitness guru who assists the family after George’s mother locks them out of their house.Mario says reuniting with George after making an appearance on his last show,The George Lopez Show, was very special.“The fact that I got to come back and work with him again was fun,” the actor shares. “We’ve done a lot of stuff together throughout the years, so I’m happy to support.“TheSaved By the Bellalum also says he has “stayed in touch with the family” even in the years they weren’t working together.Mario Lopez in ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’.Nicole Weingart/NBCSince his character is a fitness guru, Mario’s biceps are on full display in the upcomingLopez vs. Lopezepisode — but he notes, he did not go crazy with preparation ahead of the role.“I’m always sort of training and doing stuff,” he explains, noting that he practices jujitsu in addition to maintaining a healthy fitness routine. “I just tried to have fun with the character and be a little over the top. So it was fun.“Prior toLopez vs. Lopez, Mario made recent appearances inGirls5Eva,Hacks,Mr. Throwbackas versions of himselfand starred in the holiday movieOnce Upon a Christmas Wishwithhis wife Courtney. He also hostsAccess Hollywoodduring the week.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.The season 3 finale ofLopez vs. Lopezairs Friday, Feb. 7 at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC, and can be streamed the next day on Peacock.
Mario LopezandGeorge Lopez’s daughter,Mayan Lopez, go way back!
The actor and television host, 51, tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview ahead of his guest-starring role onLopez vs. Lopezthat he has known Mayan, 28, since she was young. In fact, while he was a host onTheX Factor, he showed up for her in a huge way that she has never forgotten.
“George and I have been friends for a long time,” Mario tells PEOPLE. “And I have known Mayan since she was a little girl.”
“I remember when I was hostingX Factor, I got herOne Directiontickets and I was her hero for a long time because of that,” recalls Mario, who hosted the American version ofTheX Factorfor the final two seasons in 2012 and 2013. “She always brings it up because she loved it.”
One Direction famously formedon the British version of the music competition show. The band, comprised ofthe late Liam Payne,Niall Horan,Zayn Malik,Harry StylesandLouis Tomlinson, appeared as a musical guest multiple times in season 2 of the U.S. version.
(L-R) George Lopez, Matt Shively, Mayan Lopez and Mario Lopez in ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’.Nicole Weingart/NBC
Nicole Weingart/NBC
Besides his bond with Mayan, Mario also has a longstanding friendship with her father George, 63. (Despite their shared surname, George and Mayan are not related to Mario.)
Their friendship led to his guest-starring role in the season 3 finale ofLopez vs. Lopez, airing Friday, Feb. 7. In the NBC sitcom, Mario plays Manny, George’s lawyer cousin and a fitness guru who assists the family after George’s mother locks them out of their house.
Mario says reuniting with George after making an appearance on his last show,The George Lopez Show, was very special.
“The fact that I got to come back and work with him again was fun,” the actor shares. “We’ve done a lot of stuff together throughout the years, so I’m happy to support.“TheSaved By the Bellalum also says he has “stayed in touch with the family” even in the years they weren’t working together.
Mario Lopez in ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’.Nicole Weingart/NBC
Since his character is a fitness guru, Mario’s biceps are on full display in the upcomingLopez vs. Lopezepisode — but he notes, he did not go crazy with preparation ahead of the role.
“I’m always sort of training and doing stuff,” he explains, noting that he practices jujitsu in addition to maintaining a healthy fitness routine. “I just tried to have fun with the character and be a little over the top. So it was fun.”
Prior toLopez vs. Lopez, Mario made recent appearances inGirls5Eva,Hacks,Mr. Throwbackas versions of himselfand starred in the holiday movieOnce Upon a Christmas Wishwithhis wife Courtney. He also hostsAccess Hollywoodduring the week.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The season 3 finale ofLopez vs. Lopezairs Friday, Feb. 7 at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC, and can be streamed the next day on Peacock.
source: people.com
