Mario Lopez is one of the most likeable guys on television.

broadcast segment, pet star search

broadcast segment, Mario Lopez

Many people don’t realize or remember that before he was the face of Extra, Mario Lopez was once Animal Planet’s Pet Star Search “ringleader.” He and his “dog and pony show” used to come to San Diego every Spring in search of the world’s funniest, most talented and videogenic animals.

Dogs and Horses and Cats, Oh My

The first year there was a horse that could stamp out the answer to various mathematical questions. There was also this amazing dog that ended up winning the prize for best talent that year. This dog could balance on 4×4 wood planks placed vertically a foot apart.  It was amazing to see.

After that first time, no more horses showed up, and the level of talent seemed to decline. All in all it was a good three-year run and we are happy that Mario has been doing so well with his career since those happy and innocent days.

Extra, Extra!

We always knew he was destined for greater television horizons with more adoring fans – and not just the four-legged ones.  In 2008 Mario Lopez achieved status as People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive.”
 
Shortly after that, the dimpled stud started publishing books about how to achieve his lean and mean physique via healthy eating.  The reason he has penned these books?  “America is facing an obesity problem, not an I-can’t-see-my-abs problem.”  He is certainly right about that.  Keep up the good work, Mario, we’re proud of you.

 

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Patty Mooney is a Vice President and Video Producer at San Diego’s award-winning video production company, Crystal Pyramid Productions.