5 Surprising Ways Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s Mother, Paula Van Den Brink, Shaped His Life (Including That Amsterdam Story)

Mark-Paul Gosselaar, the actor forever etched in pop culture history as the charming Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell, has a family background far more complex and fascinating than his all-American on-screen persona suggests. As of December 12, 2025, while the star is actively promoting his latest work on shows like Found, his personal reflections often circle back to the unique and profound influence of his mother, Paula van den Brink, a woman whose Dutch-Indonesian heritage and unconventional approach to parenting—including a famous, candid anecdote from a trip to Amsterdam—set the stage for his entire career and identity.

The relationship between Mark-Paul and his mother, Paula, goes beyond the typical celebrity parent-child dynamic; she was his first manager, his cultural anchor, and the source of one of his most talked-about personal stories. Her guidance was instrumental in navigating the turbulent waters of child stardom, instilling in him a grounded perspective that he now carries into his own role as a husband and father of four children.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Paula van den Brink: A Biographical Snapshot

Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s life has been defined by a rich, multicultural background, largely thanks to his parents, particularly his mother, Paula van den Brink. Below is a detailed profile of the key figures in his immediate family.

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• Full Name: Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1974
• Place of Birth: Panorama City, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Father: Hans Gosselaar (Dutch and German heritage, born in the Netherlands)
• Mother: Paula van den Brink (Dutch-Indonesian heritage, born in the Netherlands)
• Siblings: Three older siblings (two brothers and a sister)
• Spouse (Current): Catriona McGinn (m. 2012)
• Spouse (Former): Lisa Ann Russell (m. 1996; div. 2011)
• Children: Michael Charles (with Russell), Ava Lorenn (with Russell), Dekker Edward (with McGinn), and Lachlyn Hope (with McGinn)

Profile: Paula van den Brink (Gosselaar)

• Heritage: Half Indonesian and Half Dutch. Her maiden name, van den Brink, is Dutch.
• Birthplace: The Netherlands.
• Former Career: Worked as a hostess for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Some sources also indicate a career as a bank manager later in life.
• Role in Mark-Paul's Career: Served as his personal manager during his early career, including his formative years on Saved by the Bell, until he turned 19.

The Unconventional Manager: How Paula Guided a Child Star

Paula van den Brink's role as Mark-Paul's manager was pivotal in his transition from a young model to a successful television star. Unlike many stage parents, Paula is consistently described as a grounding force, though one who was deeply involved in every aspect of his professional life.

Her management style was hands-on, ensuring her son maintained a sense of normalcy despite the intense pressures of Hollywood. She was known for being protective, yet also fostering a close, open relationship with her son. This close bond was crucial for a young actor who spent his teenage years in the spotlight on NBC's hit show, Saved by the Bell.

The decision to step back from management when Mark-Paul turned 19 allowed him to take full control of his adult career, a transition that is often difficult for child stars. This early guidance from his mother is credited with helping him avoid the common pitfalls of early fame, enabling a long and stable career that spans decades, from Saved by the Bell to *Franklin & Bash* and his current series, *Found*.

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The Mixed-ish Heritage That Defined His Identity

One of the most significant, yet often overlooked, aspects of Mark-Paul’s life is his mixed-race heritage, which comes directly from his mother. Paula van den Brink is of Dutch and Indonesian descent, making Mark-Paul a quarter Indonesian.

This mixed background became a central theme later in his career when he starred as Paul Johnson, the white father in the ABC sitcom *Mixed-ish*, a spin-off of *Black-ish*.

The actor has spoken about growing up "mixed-ish" himself, relating to the themes of navigating a biracial identity. His mother’s Indonesian and Dutch roots provided him with a unique cultural tapestry that contrasts sharply with the predominantly white, California setting of Bayside High.

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This heritage is a key part of his topical authority in discussions about diversity in Hollywood, demonstrating the subtle, yet powerful, influence of his mother's lineage on his personal and professional life. The show *Mixed-ish* allowed him to directly address and explore the complexities of his family's cultural background on a national stage.

The Infamous Amsterdam Story: A Mother’s Unconventional Lesson

The most revealing and widely-cited anecdote about the unique bond between Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his mother, Paula, involves a trip they took to Amsterdam. During a 2010 appearance on *Lopez Tonight*, Gosselaar candidly recounted a story from his youth that shocked and entertained audiences.

While visiting the Netherlands, a country central to his family's Dutch heritage, Mark-Paul and his mother "got high together."

He explained that his mother, in an effort to demystify and remove the taboo from the experience, suggested they try it together. This unconventional approach highlights a parenting style that prioritized honesty, openness, and shared experience over strict prohibition. The story is a testament to the close, trusting, and sometimes boundary-pushing relationship the actor had with his mother, a detail that continues to resurface in interviews and fan discussions to this day.

This level of candor is rare for a public figure, and the story serves as a powerful illustration of Paula van den Brink's influence: a woman who was unafraid to challenge norms and foster a deeply personal connection with her son, Mark-Paul Gosselaar.

From Managed Star to Dedicated Father of Four

In his current phase of life, Mark-Paul Gosselaar often reflects on his own upbringing as he raises his four children: Michael, Ava, Dekker, and Lachlyn Hope.

His recent interviews, including appearances on *The Jennifer Hudson Show*, emphasize his priority as a father and husband to his wife, Catriona McGinn, over his career.

The foundation of his family values—a blend of his mother’s Dutch-Indonesian pragmatism and her dedication to his success—is evident in his current life. He now strives to provide a stable, loving environment, a sharp contrast to the high-pressure world of a child actor that his mother helped him navigate. His mother’s early management and the lessons learned about work ethic and personal identity have clearly been transposed into his role as a family man, making his journey a continuous thread from his roots in the Netherlands to his life in Hollywood.