Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is the daughter of well-known actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who became a household name in the 1990s through his role as Zack Morris in Saved by the Bell. Born on May 7, 2006, in Los Angeles, Ava grew up surrounded by the influence of Hollywood but also enjoyed a grounded family life away from the spotlight. At just eighteen years old, she has already begun to make her own way into acting, debuting in 2024 on the long-running soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. While her family name naturally draws attention, Ava is showing that she is more than just a celebrity child and is beginning to build her own identity in the entertainment world.
Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ava Lorenn Gosselaar |
| Date of Birth | May 7, 2006 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 18 years old |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Dutch, German, and Indonesian heritage |
| Father | Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Actor, famous for Saved by the Bell) |
| Mother | Conflicting reports: Lisa Ann Russell (first wife) or Catriona McGinn (current wife) |
| Siblings | Michael Charles (older brother), Dekker Edward (younger half-brother), Lachlan (younger half-brother), Lachlyn Hope (younger half-sister) |
| Known For | Daughter of Mark-Paul Gosselaar, acting debut on The Bold and the Beautiful (2024) |
| Hobbies | Music, sports, art, and outdoor activities |
| Net Worth | Not yet established (benefits from father’s estimated $9 million net worth) |
| Relationship Status | Single / Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Early Life and Background
Growing up as the daughter of a well-known actor meant Ava was always close to the spotlight, but her parents worked hard to give her a normal childhood. While her father, Mark-Paul, built his career in television, her mother’s background also contributed to her upbringing, depending on sources, either through modeling and acting or through the world of advertising. After her father remarried, Ava became part of a blended family with half-siblings, and she learned early on to live between the world of celebrity attention and the comfort of family privacy. Her home life gave her both stability and perspective, allowing her to enjoy school, friends, and hobbies without being pushed into the public eye before she was ready.
How She Looks and How Old She Is
Ava Lorenn Gosselaar was born on May 7, 2006, in Los Angeles, and she is 18 years old in 2025. She is known for her fresh and natural California look, often keeping her style simple and casual. While details like her exact height and weight are private, Ava has a graceful presence that stands out on screen. Her mixed Dutch, German, and Indonesian background from her father gives her a unique appearance, and she carries herself with the kind of confidence and charm that makes her memorable to fans.
Who are Ava Lorenn Gosselaar’s Parents?
Her Father
Ava’s father is Mark-Paul Gosselaar, a popular American actor who was born on March 1, 1974, in California. He became a household name in the late 1980s when he starred as Zack Morris in the classic teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, a role that made him one of the most recognized young actors of his time. After that success, he went on to act in many well-known shows, including NYPD Blue, Franklin & Bash, and Pitch, proving his versatility as an actor.
Mark-Paul has Dutch, German, and Indonesian roots, which add to his family’s rich cultural background. Away from the screen, he is also known as a dedicated husband and father who values spending time with his children, often sharing supportive and proud moments about them with his fans.
Her Mother
Ava Lorenn Gosselaar’s family background can feel a little confusing because her father, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, has been married twice. His first wife was Lisa Ann Russell, a former model and actress, and together they had two children before separating in 2011. Later, in 2012, he married Catriona McGinn, an advertising executive who has also played an important role in raising the Gosselaar children. Because of this blended family, Ava has grown up with guidance and love from both Lisa Ann and Catriona, and while details about her private relationship with them are kept out of the public eye, both women have contributed in different ways to the family’s stability and support system.
Ava Lorenn Gosselaar Siblings
Ava has both full siblings and half-siblings. Her older brother, Michael Charles, was born in 2004, making him two years older than her. From her father’s second marriage to Catriona McGinn, she has two younger half-brothers, Dekker Edward, born in 2013, and Lachlan, born in 2015. She is also close to her younger half-sister, Lachlyn Hope, born in 2015. The Gosselaar children are often seen together in family pictures, and they share a warm relationship despite growing up in a blended household.
Growing Up in Hollywood
Although her family was protective of her privacy, Ava could not avoid being influenced by Hollywood life. She often visited sets, met actors and crew members, and grew up with conversations about scripts, schedules, and the reality of show business. These experiences gave her a unique education in the industry, but she was not forced to become a performer at a young age. Instead, she observed and learned, waiting until she was confident about pursuing her own path. This patience has become one of her defining qualities, showing that she wants to build her career at her own pace rather than rushing into the spotlight.
Education and Interests
Ava attended school in Los Angeles, likely at private institutions that allowed her to grow up outside of the constant media spotlight. She developed interests in music, sports, and the arts, reflecting both her creative background and her active lifestyle. These interests provided her with balance and allowed her to explore different sides of herself beyond acting. While many children of celebrities face pressure to perform, Ava’s parents encouraged her to focus on education and personal growth first. This foundation has helped her approach acting with maturity and responsibility.
Acting Debut
In 2024, Ava made her professional debut on The Bold and the Beautiful, one of daytime television’s most successful and longest-running soap operas. For an eighteen-year-old, securing a recurring role on such a major series was a significant achievement. Soap operas are known for their demanding pace, with actors often memorizing dozens of pages of dialogue each day and filming multiple episodes per week. Ava quickly proved she could handle the challenge, showing dedication and natural ability. Viewers immediately noticed her presence on screen, and while some mentioned her famous father, many praised her talent independently. This response marked the beginning of her professional journey, showing she could stand on her own merit.
Relationship with Her Father
Ava’s father, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, has had a long and successful career in television, moving from teenage fame on Saved by the Bell to serious roles in series like NYPD Blue and Franklin & Bash. His experiences have given him valuable insight into the realities of Hollywood, and he has shared advice and encouragement with his daughter. Publicly, he has expressed pride in her accomplishments and celebrated her milestones, making it clear that he supports her decision to pursue acting. Having a parent who understands both the glamour and the challenges of the business has given Ava guidance that many young actors lack.
Personal Life
Away from acting, Ava maintains an active but careful presence on social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok. She shares parts of her life, including behind-the-scenes moments from filming and time spent with friends and family, but she does not overshare or blur the line between her private and public worlds. Her style is casual and reflects California’s relaxed culture, focusing on authenticity rather than chasing fame through fashion or branding. She enjoys hobbies such as music, arts, and outdoor activities, which keep her life balanced. This ability to separate her personal world from her professional life shows maturity and an understanding of the challenges of growing up in the public eye.
Public Reception
Since appearing on The Bold and the Beautiful, Ava has been noticed by fans and industry watchers alike. Audiences have praised her natural delivery and ability to fit seamlessly into the established cast of the show. While some curiosity about her connection to Mark-Paul Gosselaar is inevitable, many viewers are impressed by her performances without focusing on her last name. Media coverage has generally been positive, highlighting her potential and her refreshingly grounded approach to starting a career.
Career Future
At only eighteen, Ava’s career is just beginning, and the path she takes is still open. Soap operas can be both a long-term home and a stepping stone to other opportunities in film, primetime television, or even beyond Hollywood. Many major stars began their careers in daytime dramas, and Ava’s experience on The Bold and the Beautiful will provide her with a strong foundation of skills and discipline. Whether she stays in soaps, moves into other acting projects, or chooses a different creative path, she has the support and the perspective to handle it.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is only 18 years old in 2025, so she does not have her own net worth yet, but she comes from a financially strong family. Her father, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, has earned an estimated $9 million during his long career in television, which has given Ava a comfortable and secure upbringing. Even though she enjoys the benefits of her father’s success, Ava is now beginning to build her own future with her acting work on The Bold and the Beautiful. Her lifestyle is not flashy—she prefers to keep things simple, spending time with family, enjoying hobbies like music and art, and sharing only small parts of her life on social media.
Challenges of Fame
Growing up in the public eye comes with challenges. Media attention, public speculation, and constant comparisons to her father can be overwhelming. However, Ava has so far shown that she can navigate these challenges wisely by keeping her personal life private, focusing on her work, and maintaining balance through family support. Many celebrity children struggle with the weight of expectations, but Ava’s careful and patient approach suggests she is prepared to handle the pressures.
Conclusion
Ava Lorenn Gosselaar represents a new generation of Hollywood talent, stepping into the spotlight carefully and on her own terms. While her father’s legacy as Zack Morris will always be part of her story, she is already proving that she has her own abilities and potential. With her debut on The Bold and the Beautiful, her grounded upbringing, and her patience in building a career, Ava is setting herself up for long-term success.
Whether she continues in soap operas, moves into films or primetime television, or explores other creative opportunities, she is a name to watch. Her story is only just beginning, but she is already showing that she can shine in her own right while carrying forward her family’s Hollywood legacy.
FAQs About Ava Lorenn Gosselaar
1. Who is Ava Lorenn Gosselaar?
Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is the daughter of actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, best known for Saved by the Bell. She began her acting career in 2024 with a role on The Bold and the Beautiful.
2. How old is Ava Lorenn Gosselaar?
Ava was born on May 7, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. She is 18 years old as of 2025.
3. Who are Ava Lorenn Gosselaar’s parents?
Her father is actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar. Her mother’s identity is sometimes reported as Lisa Ann Russell, his first wife, while others mention Catriona McGinn, his current wife. Ava grew up in a blended family.
4. Does Ava Lorenn Gosselaar have siblings?
Yes, she has an older brother, Michael Charles, and younger half-siblings, Dekker Edward and Lachlan, from her father’s second marriage.
5. What is Ava Lorenn Gosselaar’s net worth?
Ava does not yet have her own net worth since she is just starting her career, but her father has an estimated net worth of about $9 million.
