Mark-Paul Gosselaar: 7 Shocking Facts About His Life, New $9M Net Worth, And The BJJ Obsession

Mark-Paul Gosselaar has successfully shed the image of teen heartthrob Zack Morris, transitioning into one of television's most reliable and versatile leading men. As of December 10, 2025, the actor is deep into the latest chapter of his career, balancing a critically acclaimed dramatic role with a surprisingly intense private life and an estimated net worth that reflects his enduring success. His recent interviews and public appearances have provided a fresh look at the star, revealing surprising regrets, a deep commitment to martial arts, and the challenges of playing a complex villain.

The actor's current focus is on his challenging role in the renewed NBC drama, Found, a series that premiered its second season in late 2024. Gosselaar continues to prove his range, moving far beyond the halls of Bayside High to tackle darker, more nuanced characters, all while maintaining a strong commitment to his family and his lifelong passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar Complete Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1974
• Age (as of 2025): 51
• Place of Birth: Panorama City, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Dutch (Father) and Indonesian/Dutch (Mother)
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): $8–9 Million
• Spouse(s): Lisa Ann Russell (m. 1996; div. 2011), Catriona McGinn (m. 2012–present)
• Children: 4 (Michael and Ava from his first marriage; Dekker Edward and Lachlyn Hope from his second marriage) [cite: 13, 12 in step 1]
• Notable Roles: Zack Morris (Saved by the Bell), Detective John Clark (NYPD Blue), Peter Bash (Franklin & Bash), Brad Wolgast (The Passage), Hugh "Sir" Evans (Found) [cite: 14, 17 in step 1]
• Known For: His iconic role as Zack Morris, his versatility across comedy and drama, and his dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

The Latest on NBC's 'Found' and Embracing the Villain Role

Gosselaar’s most significant and current television role is as Hugh "Sir" Evans in the NBC drama series Found. The show, which focuses on a crisis management team dedicated to finding missing persons, has been a critical success and was renewed for a second season.

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The second season of Found premiered on Thursday, October 3, 2024, with Gosselaar's character, Sir, being central to the show's dark premise. Sir is a complex, manipulative, and often "delusional" bad guy—a kidnapper who is secretly being held captive by the show's protagonist, Gabi Mosely (Shanola Hampton), who was once his victim [cite: 2 in step 1].

This role represents a deliberate shift for the actor, who has openly discussed the challenge and enjoyment of moving away from the "Zack Morris" typecasting. Playing a character with such a dark and layered history allows Gosselaar to showcase a depth of acting that audiences rarely saw in his earlier work.

In recent interviews, including appearances at the 2025 SCAD TVfest, Gosselaar has expressed his enthusiasm for the role, noting that the depth and transformation required to play Sir is a rewarding experience [cite: 7 in step 1, 3 in step 1]. The new season promises to further explore the twisted dynamic between Sir and Gabi, keeping the tension high and the audience captivated.

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Surprising Regrets and Life as a Father of Four

Despite his long and successful career, Gosselaar has been candid about certain personal regrets and the realities of his family life. During a heartfelt interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show in late 2024, the actor revealed a surprising personal truth: he regrets not getting a higher education [cite: 1 in step 1].

Gosselaar started acting at a very young age with Saved by the Bell, which led him straight into a full-time career, bypassing the traditional college experience. He noted that while his career is flourishing, he still feels the lack of a formal education.

Another fascinating detail from his personal life is the story of meeting his current wife, Catriona McGinn. Gosselaar revealed that when they first met, his wife had no idea who he was. This was a refreshing change of pace for the star, who has been in the public eye since he was a teenager [cite: 11 in step 1].

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He is a proud father to four children: Michael and Ava from his first marriage, and Dekker Edward and Lachlyn Hope with Catriona McGinn. He often shares reflections on being a husband and father, emphasizing the importance of family life amidst the demands of a busy acting schedule [cite: 4 in step 1, 9 in step 1].

The Mark-Paul Gosselaar Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Obsession

Beyond the film set, Mark-Paul Gosselaar dedicates a significant amount of his time to a serious passion: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). This is far more than a casual hobby; the actor has been training in the martial art for over 15 years and has achieved the rank of purple belt under the legendary Rigan Machado.

Gosselaar has described his involvement in BJJ as an "obsession," noting that he spends a considerable amount of his non-working hours dedicated to training. He has found a profound connection to the sport, appreciating its physical and mental challenges.

His dedication to BJJ is a key part of his life, providing him with a grounding and disciplined outlet. The actor has expressed hopes of eventually achieving his black belt, a goal that requires years of consistent, rigorous training and dedication, further illustrating his commitment to the sport.

This deep dive into a demanding physical discipline highlights the actor's disciplined nature, a trait that clearly fuels his successful and enduring career in Hollywood, allowing him to take on roles like the complex Sir in Found.