5 Reasons Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s Career Shift Is The Most Intriguing Story Of 2025 (Plus, The Future Of ‘Found’)

Mark-Paul Gosselaar, the actor forever etched in pop culture history as the charming, fourth-wall-breaking Zack Morris, has successfully navigated one of Hollywood’s most challenging transitions: shedding the teen idol persona. As of December 14, 2025, Gosselaar is making headlines not for a nostalgia reboot, but for his compelling, dark, and complex role as 'Sir' on the NBC crime drama *Found*, a performance so fresh it has redefined his standing as a serious dramatic actor. The latest buzz surrounding the veteran actor centers on his expanding role behind the camera, his commitment to fatherhood, and the uncertain-yet-promising future of his current hit series, which is reportedly eyeing a major streaming move that could cement its place in the TV landscape for 2026.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar: Complete Biography and Profile

Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar is an American actor best known for his long and varied career, which began with his iconic role as Zack Morris on the seminal teen sitcom *Saved by the Bell* (1989–1993) and its various spin-offs and sequels. Unlike many child stars, Gosselaar has consistently worked in Hollywood for over three decades, successfully transitioning into mature, dramatic roles on critically acclaimed network television.

• Full Name: Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1974
• Place of Birth: Panorama City, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
• Spouse(s): Lisa Ann Russell (m. 1996; div. 2011), Catriona McGinn (m. 2012)
• Children: Four—Michael Charles, Ava Lorenn (from first marriage); Dekker Edward, Lachlyn Hope (from second marriage)
• Notable TV Roles: Zack Morris (*Saved by the Bell*, *Saved by the Bell* reboot), Detective John Clark (*NYPD Blue*), Peter Bash (*Franklin & Bash*), Mike Lawson (*Pitch*), Sir (*Found*)
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Approximately $8 million

The Darkest Role of His Career: Directing and Starring in 'Found'

The most significant and current chapter of Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s career is his portrayal of 'Sir' in the NBC drama *Found*, a role that has completely subverted the public’s perception of him. The character, a manipulative and charming kidnapper, is a stark departure from the lighthearted, often comedic roles he is known for, such as Zack Morris or Peter Bash. This dramatic pivot has been a major topic of discussion in 2025, highlighting his depth as an actor [cite: 17 from search 1].

The series, which follows a public relations specialist who secretly keeps her own kidnapper, Sir, chained in her basement to help her solve missing persons cases, has been a critical success for its dark premise and the intense dynamic between the two leads. Gosselaar's performance as the "delusional" bad guy has been lauded for its unsettling charm and complexity [cite: 17 from search 1].

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In a major professional milestone for 2025, Gosselaar stepped behind the camera to direct an episode of the series. This move, which he discussed during a panel at the 2025 SCAD TVfest, demonstrates his expanding influence and creative control within the industry, proving he is a multi-faceted talent beyond just acting [cite: 8 from search 1, 6 from search 1].

The future of *Found* is one of the most talked-about pieces of entertainment news in late 2025. Although NBC canceled the series, reports indicate that the show is on the verge of finding a new home on Netflix, with a potential new season or continuation set for January 2026 [cite: 13 from search 1, 18 from search 1, 15 from search 2]. This move is a testament to the show's dedicated fanbase and the strong performance of its cast, particularly Gosselaar and co-star Shanola Hampton.

From Bayside High to Hollywood’s Leading Man: A Career Evolution

Gosselaar’s journey is a masterclass in career longevity, marked by a series of strategic moves away from his teen idol beginnings. The first major step was his four-year run as Detective John Clark Jr. on the critically acclaimed drama *NYPD Blue*, a role that showcased his ability to handle serious, procedural material. This was followed by the lighter, yet successful, legal comedy-drama *Franklin & Bash*, where he played the charismatic Peter Bash.

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Another pivotal, though short-lived, role was as the lead in the baseball drama *Pitch*. While the series was canceled, it highlighted his talent for playing a grounded, complex male lead in a high-stakes environment [cite: 7 from search 2]. Gosselaar has also made appearances on other popular shows, including a guest role on *Will Trent*, further solidifying his status as a reliable network television star [cite: 11 from search 2].

This consistent work across different genres—from comedy to procedural drama and now to psychological thriller—illustrates his commitment to challenging himself and avoiding typecasting. The sheer variety of his roles is a key reason his career remains so intriguing to fans and industry observers in 2025.

Family Life, Hobbies, and the 'Father First' Mentality

Despite his demanding career, Mark-Paul Gosselaar frequently emphasizes that his primary role is that of a father. During an appearance on *The Jennifer Hudson Show* in January 2025, he openly shared that he views himself as a "Father" before an actor, highlighting the importance of his family life with his wife, Catriona McGinn, and their four children: Michael, Ava, Dekker Edward, and Lachlyn Hope [cite: 13 from search 2, 1 from search 3, 7 from search 1].

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Gosselaar’s wife, Catriona McGinn, maintains a career outside of acting, working successfully in the advertising industry [cite: 16 from search 2]. The couple, who married in 2012, have two children together, Dekker and Lachlyn, while his two eldest, Michael and Ava, are from his previous marriage to Lisa Ann Russell [cite: 10 from search 2, 4 from search 3].

In addition to his family life, Gosselaar is an avid enthusiast of several high-octane hobbies. He trained in motocross racing from a young age and is a dedicated golfer, often spending time at his home course of TPC Valencia [cite: 5 from search 1, 4 from search 2]. These personal interests provide a grounding contrast to his high-profile career. Furthermore, his candid discussions about his past, including dating several of his *Saved by the Bell* co-stars—Lark Voorhies, Tiffani Thiessen, and Elizabeth Berkley—have always been a source of public curiosity, adding a layer of nostalgia to his current, more serious persona [cite: 3 from search 2].

As Mark-Paul Gosselaar continues to embrace complex roles and creative opportunities like directing, his career trajectory in 2025 and 2026 is one of the most compelling narratives in television. The potential shift of *Found* to Netflix is poised to introduce his groundbreaking 'Sir' character to a massive global audience, ensuring that the former Bayside High heartthrob remains a relevant and evolving figure in the entertainment world for years to come.