From Bayside To Bad Guy: 7 Shocking New Career Moves Mark-Paul Gosselaar Is Making In 2025

Mark-Paul Gosselaar, the actor forever etched in pop culture history as the smooth-talking, blonde-haired heartthrob Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell, is undergoing a dramatic career evolution in 2025. This year marks a definitive shift away from the nostalgic Bayside High corridors and into the complex, darker roles that have redefined his professional identity. The latest buzz centers on his chilling portrayal of a villain and his unexpected move behind the camera.

As of December 2025, Gosselaar is riding a new wave of relevance thanks to his NBC drama series, Found, where he plays the enigmatic and manipulative character known only as "Sir." The show's recent cancellation by NBC, followed by reports of a high-profile move to Netflix for its second season, has placed the veteran actor back in the spotlight, proving his enduring appeal lies far beyond the realm of '90s sitcoms. The transition from teen idol to serious dramatic actor and now, director, is a compelling narrative for one of television's most consistent stars.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar: Complete Biography and 2025 Profile

Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar has maintained a steady and versatile career in television for over three decades, successfully navigating the treacherous waters of child stardom to become a respected adult actor and producer. His 2025 profile reflects a man who prioritizes his family while continually challenging himself professionally.

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• Full Name: Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1974
• Place of Birth: Panorama City, California, U.S.
• Wives:
  • Lisa Ann Russell (m. 1996; div. 2011)
  • Catriona McGinn (m. 2012)
• Children (4):
  • Michael Charles (with Lisa Ann Russell)
  • Ava Lorenn (with Lisa Ann Russell)
  • Dekker Edward (with Catriona McGinn)
  • Lachlyn Hope (with Catriona McGinn)
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Between $6 million and $8 million, a testament to his lengthy and consistent career.
• Iconic Roles: Zack Morris (*Saved by the Bell*), Detective John Clark (*NYPD Blue*), Peter Bash (*Franklin & Bash*), Brad Wolgast (*The Passage*), and "Sir" (*Found*).

The Shocking New Era: From Bayside to the Delusional 'Sir'

For years, Gosselaar fought against being typecast as the charming, fourth-wall-breaking Zack Morris. His work on critically acclaimed shows like *NYPD Blue* and the fan-favorite legal comedy *Franklin & Bash* (alongside Breckin Meyer) demonstrated his range, but his latest role as "Sir" in the NBC drama *Found* has become his most surprising transformation yet.

1. Embracing the Villain: The Role of 'Sir'

In *Found*, Gosselaar plays Hugh Evans, a.k.a. "Sir," a former kidnapper who is now being held captive by his own victim, Gabi Mosely (played by Shanola Hampton). This dark, complex dynamic is the engine of the show. Gosselaar has openly admitted he loves playing the character, describing him as a "delusional" bad guy, a stark contrast to his past heroic or comedic roles. The character is a master manipulator, and the intensity of the performance has earned him new critical attention.

2. The Highly-Anticipated Netflix Move for *Found* Season 2

The most significant news for Gosselaar's career in 2025 involves the fate of *Found*. After its cancellation by NBC, reports surfaced that the series was being picked up by Netflix. The show’s first season is set to debut on the streaming giant in January 2026, with the highly anticipated second season reportedly following shortly after, marking a major win for the cast and its dedicated fanbase. This move guarantees the continuation of the "Sir" storyline and provides Gosselaar with massive global exposure on the world's largest streaming platform, ensuring his current project remains fresh and relevant into the new year.

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3. Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Directorial Debut

In a major professional milestone, Gosselaar took a new step in his career by directing an episode of *Found* in 2025. This move behind the camera signals his ambition to expand his creative influence beyond acting. Directing a procedural drama is a challenging task, and his success in this new venture opens the door for future opportunities as a hyphenate (actor-director) in the industry.

From Nostalgia to New Endeavors: The 2025 Public Life

While his new dramatic work dominates the headlines, Gosselaar remains connected to the roles that made him a household name. His appearances in 2025 demonstrate a willingness to engage with his past while celebrating his current success.

4. SCAD TVfest and Industry Recognition

Mark-Paul Gosselaar, alongside his *Found* co-star Shanola Hampton, was a featured panelist at the 2025 SCAD TVfest in February. These industry events are crucial for generating buzz and providing insight into the creative process of his current hit show. His participation highlights his status as a leading actor in a major network-to-streaming transition, a hot topic in the contemporary television landscape.

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5. Hopes for a *Franklin & Bash* Reunion

Gosselaar made headlines at a recent GalaxyCon appearance by discussing his hopes for a reunion of his beloved TNT legal comedy, *Franklin & Bash*. The show, where he played Peter Bash, ran from 2011 to 2014 and remains a cult favorite. While no official reunion is planned, his public expression of interest keeps the possibility alive for fans who enjoyed his chemistry with co-star Breckin Meyer.

6. The Enduring Legacy of Zack Morris

Even with his current success in darker roles, Gosselaar's connection to Zack Morris is inescapable. He often discusses his time on *Saved by the Bell* (including its predecessor, *Good Morning, Miss Bliss*) and the recent Peacock reboot. His ability to speak candidly about the iconic role—often acknowledging its lighter nature—while maintaining a serious dramatic career is a delicate balance that few former child stars master. This balance is key to his enduring popularity and topical authority across different generations of viewers.

7. A Dedicated Family Man

Despite the demands of his career, Gosselaar frequently emphasizes his role as a father. He is a proud parent to four children: Michael, Ava, Dekker, and Lachlyn, from his two marriages to Lisa Ann Russell and Catriona McGinn. He has shared that he sees himself as a "father" before an "actor," indicating that his personal life and family are his top priority, providing a grounded perspective to his high-profile Hollywood career.

The Mark-Paul Gosselaar of 2025 is a far cry from the teenager who once ran Bayside High. With a successful directing debut, a compelling new role as a villain, and a major series moving to Netflix for a highly anticipated second season, his career is experiencing a fresh, exciting resurgence. His journey from teen comedy star to a versatile dramatic actor and director serves as a powerful testament to his dedication and adaptability in the ever-changing world of television.