Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Wife: 7 Fascinating Facts About Catriona McGinn, The Woman Who Didn't Know 'Zack Morris'

As of December 2025, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, the actor forever etched in pop culture history as Zack Morris from *Saved by the Bell*, is happily married to his second wife, Catriona McGinn. Their relationship, which began in 2011 and culminated in a 2012 wedding, has been a cornerstone of stability in the actor's life, especially as he navigated his career renaissance with roles in series like *NYPD Blue*, *Franklin & Bash*, and the hit show *Found*. The couple has built a strong foundation, often sharing glimpses of their life as a blended family of six, which is a testament to their commitment to a private and grounded lifestyle away from the Hollywood spotlight. What makes their story particularly unique is that Catriona, a highly successful Canadian advertising executive, had no idea who the teen heartthrob was when they first met. This refreshing lack of celebrity awe is a detail Mark-Paul has shared in recent interviews, highlighting that their connection was built on genuine compatibility rather than his famous past. From their picturesque wedding in California's wine country to welcoming two children together, the couple continues to be a picture of modern Hollywood family life, proving that sometimes, the best relationships start with one person being completely unaware of your global fame.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar: A Quick Biography and Profile

Mark-Paul Gosselaar is an American actor known primarily for his iconic role as Zack Morris on the NBC series *Saved by the Bell*. His career spans over three decades, moving successfully from teen idol status to a respected dramatic and comedic television actor.

• Full Name: Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1974
• Age (as of December 2025): 51
• Birthplace: Panorama City, California, U.S.
• Parents: Hans Gosselaar (Father, from the Netherlands) and Paula Gosselaar (Mother, from Indonesia)
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Dutch and Indonesian (Indo)
• First Wife: Lisa Ann Russell (m. 1996; div. 2011)
• Current Wife: Catriona McGinn (m. 2012)
• Children: Four (Two from his first marriage, two from his second)
• Notable TV Roles: Zack Morris (*Saved by the Bell*), Detective John Clark Jr. (*NYPD Blue*), Peter Bash (*Franklin & Bash*), Mike Lawson (*Pitch*), Paul Jackson (*Mixed-ish*), and Gabi Mosely's ex-husband (*Found*).

Catriona McGinn: The Powerhouse Advertising Executive

Catriona McGinn is far more than just "Mark-Paul Gosselaar's wife"; she is a highly accomplished professional in the advertising industry. Her successful career and grounded personality are often cited by the actor as the foundation of their happy marriage.

1. A Successful Career Outside of Hollywood

Catriona McGinn is a Canadian-born advertising executive with an impressive resume. She has held senior positions at major media and communications companies, including Media Monitors and Nielsen BDS. Her professional success is entirely separate from the entertainment industry, which is a dynamic Mark-Paul has publicly appreciated, as it keeps their home life grounded. She is based in Los Angeles but is originally from Canada.

2. She is a Double University Graduate

McGinn is highly educated, holding degrees from two prestigious Canadian institutions. She is a graduate of Simon Fraser University and also attended McGill University, showcasing her commitment to a strong academic background that propelled her advertising career. This intellectual foundation speaks to the depth of her professional achievements.

3. The 'Saved by the Bell' Blind Spot

Perhaps the most famous anecdote about their relationship is that Catriona was completely unfamiliar with Mark-Paul's career-defining role. When they met, she had no idea he was the teen idol Zack Morris, which was a refreshing change for the actor. This detail is often highlighted as the reason their relationship is so authentic, built on who they are as people rather than his celebrity status.

4. Their Romantic Wine Country Wedding

Mark-Paul proposed to Catriona in August 2011 with a custom-designed 5-carat cushion-cut diamond ring. The couple married a year later, in July 2012, at a stunning outdoor ceremony at the Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez, California. The wedding was described as a beautiful, intimate event, a perfect setting for the start of their new life together. Their honeymoon was spent in Italy, which they both love.

A Blended Family: The Four Children of Mark-Paul Gosselaar

The Gosselaar-McGinn household is a vibrant blended family of six. Mark-Paul and Catriona share two children, who joined the two children from Mark-Paul’s previous marriage to actress and former model Lisa Ann Russell. Mark-Paul has often spoken about the importance of raising all four children together and maintaining a cohesive family unit.

The Children with Catriona McGinn

Mark-Paul and Catriona have two children together, both of whom were born after their 2012 wedding:

• Dekker Edward Gosselaar: Their first child together, a son, was born in 2013.
• Lachlyn Hope Gosselaar: Their second child, a daughter, was born on February 17, 2015.

The Children from Mark-Paul's First Marriage

From his 14-year marriage to Lisa Ann Russell, Mark-Paul has two older children who are an active part of the blended family:

• Michael Charles Gosselaar: A son, born in 2004.
• Ava Lorenn Gosselaar: A daughter, born in 2006.

5. Mark-Paul's Dedication to McGinn is Current and Clear

The actor's adoration for his wife remains a constant topic in his public appearances. In a very recent interview, as noted in January 2025, Mark-Paul emphasized Catriona's central role in his life. He stated that his entire day revolves around making sure his wife is taken care of, underscoring his commitment to her well-being above all else. This recent public statement confirms the strength and priority of their marriage today.

6. The Family's Private, Grounded Lifestyle

Despite Mark-Paul's high-profile career, the family maintains a relatively private life, especially Catriona, who is not a public figure. They prioritize a grounded existence for their four children, balancing his demanding filming schedules for shows like *Found* with their family commitments. The couple has successfully navigated the complexities of a blended family, focusing on providing a stable and loving environment for all their children.

7. A Relationship Built on Mutual Respect and Independence

The core strength of the Gosselaar-McGinn marriage lies in their mutual respect for each other's successful, independent lives. Catriona's career as an advertising executive provides her with a strong identity outside of her role as a celebrity spouse, and Mark-Paul respects her decision to maintain a private life. This balance of professional success and personal partnership is what has allowed their relationship to thrive for over a decade.