Although Saved by the Bell aired more than 30 years ago, its original cast members remain familiar faces to fans — each carving out their own path in entertainment and beyond. The sitcom launched the careers of several actors and left a lasting legacy that still attracts nostalgia and interest today.
Interestingly, Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane — who recently died at age 53 after a battle with ALS — made his TV debut in a small Saved by the Bell role in 1991, long before he became known for McSteamy on Grey’s.
Here’s a look at where the main Saved by the Bell stars are now:
🌟 Mark‑Paul Gosselaar — Zack Morris
As the mischievous and charming Zack Morris, Mark‑Paul Gosselaar became a teen icon. Since Saved by the Bell, he built a steady career in television. He appeared in dramas like NYPD Blue, Franklin & Bash, Pitch, and Mixed‑ish.
In 2020, Gosselaar returned to his most famous role in the Saved by the Bell reboot on Peacock, where Zack grows up to become the Governor of California — a fun nod to the character’s scheming personality.
Gosselaar remains active onscreen, most recently starring on the NBC drama Found, while also balancing family life as a husband and father of four.
🎤 Mario Lopez — A.C. Slater
Mario Lopez, who played the confident and athletic A.C. Slater, carved out a high‑profile career as a TV host, actor, and personality. After Saved by the Bell, Lopez appeared in shows such as The Bold and the Beautiful and Nip/Tuck, and became a familiar face on reality and entertainment TV.
He has hosted popular shows like Extra and Access Hollywood, and starred on The X Factor and America’s Best Dance Crew. Lopez is also a Dancing With the Stars alum and continues to work as a host, actor, and fitness enthusiast — even helping launch shows and products outside of acting.
Lopez returned as Slater in the reboot and shares three children with his wife, Courtney Mazza.
🍿 Tiffani Thiessen — Kelly Kapowski
Beloved Kelly Kapowski, played by Tiffani Thiessen, went on to achieve success in both drama and lifestyle TV. After Saved by the Bell, she starred in Beverly Hills, 90210 as Valerie Malone and later appeared in White Collar and Alexa & Katie.
Thiessen also embraced her passion for cooking, hosting her own cooking show Dinner at Tiffani’s and later MTV’s Deliciousness. She reprised Kelly in the Saved by the Bell reboot, where her character is still deeply tied to Zack Morris.
Outside of TV, Thiessen has also written books, launched lifestyle projects, and enjoys family life with her husband and two children.
📚 Elizabeth Berkley — Jessie Spano
Elizabeth Berkley, who portrayed ambitious and smart Jessie Spano, went on to an eclectic career in film, television, and stage. After Saved by the Bell, she starred in movies like Showgirls (which became a cult classic) and appeared in series such as The L Word, New Girl, Cobra Kai, and CSI: Miami.
Berkley also returned to her iconic Bayside High role in the reboot as Jessie — now a guidance counselor and bestselling author in the Saved by the Bell universe.
She continues acting, performing on screen and on stage, and is married with a son.
👨🏫 Dennis Haskins — Mr. Belding
Dennis Haskins became the quintessential Bayside principal Richard Belding. After Saved by the Bell ended, Haskins continued to act, guest‑starring in shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and New Girl.
Though he did not appear in the reboot series, his character was referenced, showing how iconic Mr. Belding remains to fans of the franchise.
💫 Lark Voorhies — Lisa Turtle
Lark Voorhies, who played the fashion‑savvy Lisa Turtle, appeared in other TV series including Family Matters and The Bold and the Beautiful.
She shifted her focus toward other interests over the years and made a cameo in the reboot. Outside of acting, Voorhies has written books and remained connected to her iconic character’s legacy.
🎭 Dustin Diamond — Screech (Deceased)
One of the most beloved cast members, Dustin Diamond, played geeky genius Screech Powers. After Saved by the Bell, he stayed in the spotlight with acting roles, reality TV appearances, stand‑up comedy, and wrestling.
Sadly, Diamond passed away in 2021 at age 44 after a battle with lung cancer.
🌟 Eric Dane’s Early Saved by the Bell Appearance
Though best known for Grey’s Anatomy, Euphoria, and film roles, Eric Dane made his television debut on Saved by the Bell in 1991, playing a minor character named Tad Pogue in Season 3.
His career went on to be defined by dramatic roles that endeared him to fans worldwide long after his teen sitcom start.
📌 Why Fans Still Care About the Saved by the Bell Cast
Saved by the Bell remains a cultural touchstone because it captured the essence of teenage life in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Decades later, the original cast’s careers reflect how beloved characters can shape lifelong paths — from TV drama and hosting to cooking shows, fitness, and advocacy.
Their continued involvement in the 2020 reboot also shows how much the nostalgic appeal of Bayside High endures with both original fans and new audiences.