Meet Ava Lorenn Gosselaar: Everything to Know About Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s Daughter

Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is the daughter of actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, best known for his role as Zack Morris on Saved by the Bell, and model-actress Lisa Ann Russell. Born on May 7, 2006, in Los Angeles, California, Ava grew up surrounded by fame yet lived a peaceful and private life, far away from the spotlight. Unlike many celebrity children who are often seen at events or in the media, Ava’s parents made sure she experienced a normal upbringing focused on education, family, and personal growth.

Her life represents a balance between the glitz of Hollywood and the simplicity of childhood, something her father has always valued deeply. Fans of Mark-Paul are naturally curious about his children, especially Ava, who has become a quiet symbol of how celebrity families can raise their children with strong values and privacy in a world that often glorifies exposure.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Background

Ava Lorenn Gosselaar was born into comfort and care in Los Angeles. Her arrival brought immense joy to her parents, Mark-Paul and Lisa Ann Russell, who were already raising their first child, Michael Charles Gosselaar, born in 2004. From the very beginning, both parents decided that their children’s lives would remain private and away from the public eye.

Despite living in Los Angeles, a city filled with media attention and celebrity culture, Ava’s early years were spent quietly at home or in safe family environments. Her parents wanted her to have the same experiences as any other child—school, friendships, and family time—without constant attention from the press. As a result, Ava enjoyed a normal, well-balanced childhood supported by loving parents who prioritized her happiness and well-being above all else.

Ava Lorenn Gosselaar Age and Physical Details

Ava Lorenn Gosselaar was born on May 7, 2006, in Los Angeles, California, and she is 19 years old as of 2025. She has a natural and charming appearance that reflects both her parents’ features. Ava has blue eyes, dark blonde hair, and a fair skin tone, giving her a warm and friendly look. She is of average height and is often described as graceful, confident, and down-to-earth. Even though she avoids the spotlight, her calm personality and simple style make her stand out for her genuine beauty and kind presence.

Father – Mark-Paul Gosselaar

Ava’s father, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, is a well-known American actor who rose to fame as Zack Morris in the classic TV series Saved by the Bell. Born on March 1, 1974, Mark-Paul became one of television’s most recognizable faces during the 1990s. Over the years, he has starred in several hit shows, including NYPD Blue, Franklin & Bash, Pitch, and Mixed-ish. Known for his boyish charm and versatile acting skills, Mark-Paul has had a long and respected career in Hollywood. However, beyond fame, he is most proud of being a devoted husband and father.

In interviews, he often says that family is his top priority. He is deeply involved in his children’s lives, attending their school events, coaching sports, and making time for family, even with his busy schedule. He believes in raising his kids with humility and kindness rather than fame and attention.

Mother – Lisa Ann Russell

Ava’s mother, Lisa Ann Russell, is a former model and actress who became popular during the 1990s. She appeared in several television shows and films before focusing on raising her children. Lisa was born on March 21, 1972, in Illinois, and began her career as a model before entering the acting world. She married Mark-Paul Gosselaar in 1996, and together they had two children, Michael and Ava.

After the couple separated in 2010, Lisa focused on providing her children with a stable and loving environment. In 2011, she married television host Jeff Probst, the well-known host of Survivor. Jeff has spoken publicly about his love and care for Lisa’s children, saying that he feels blessed to be a part of their lives. Lisa is known to be a dedicated and caring mother who values family over fame.

Brother – Michael Charles Gosselaar

Ava has one full sibling, her older brother Michael Charles Gosselaar, born in 2004. The two siblings share a close and affectionate bond. Growing up just two years apart, they have always been best friends, sharing school experiences, hobbies, and family adventures. Michael is also very private, much like Ava, and rarely appears in public. The two were often seen together at family events when they were younger, including an outing to Disney On Ice in 2010 with their father. Michael shares many of Ava’s interests, such as outdoor activities, sports, and spending time with family.

Half-Siblings – Dekker and Lachlyn

From her father’s second marriage to Catriona McGinn, Ava has two younger half-siblings — Dekker Edward, born in 2013, and Lachlyn Hope, born in 2015. Ava is known to be a loving and protective older sister who enjoys spending time with them during family visits and holidays. Her relationship with her half-siblings reflects the closeness of the Gosselaar family, even though they are part of a blended household. Despite their busy lives, the family often spends time together, showing that love and connection remain at the center of their lives.

Stepfather – Jeff Probst

After Ava’s parents divorced, her mother, Lisa Ann Russell, married Jeff Probst in 2011. Jeff is a well-known American television host, most recognized for his long-running role as the host of Survivor. Over the years, Jeff has spoken fondly about his relationship with Lisa’s children, including Ava and Michael. He has described being part of their lives as one of his greatest joys and treats them as his own children. His warmth and respect have created a strong bond within their blended family. Ava’s stepfather has played an important role in providing support and love, helping to maintain a stable home environment.

Stepmother – Catriona McGinn

When her father remarried in 2012, Ava gained a stepmother, Catriona McGinn, an accomplished advertising executive known for her intelligence and creativity. Catriona has built a successful career in marketing and brand development, but is equally dedicated to her family life. Together, she and Mark-Paul have two children, Dekker and Lachlyn. Ava and Catriona share a respectful and positive relationship, and Catriona’s presence has brought additional warmth and balance to the Gosselaar family. She is often praised for being kind-hearted and for creating a loving home where all the children are treated equally.

Family Changes

When Mark-Paul and Lisa Ann Russell separated in 2010 and finalized their divorce in 2011, Ava was only five years old. Although divorce can be challenging for any child, Ava’s parents handled it with grace and maturity. They made it a priority to protect their children from emotional strain and the eyes of the media. Both parents went on to remarry—Mark-Paul married advertising executive Catriona McGinn in 2012, and Lisa married television host Jeff Probst, best known for hosting Survivor, in 2011.

These changes brought new members into Ava’s life, but instead of causing division, they helped create a blended family full of love and support. Ava now has two younger half-siblings from her father’s second marriage: Dekker Edward, born in 2013, and Lachlyn Hope, born in 2015. Both Mark-Paul and Lisa, along with their new spouses, have made sure that all of their children share strong family relationships.

Ava Lorenn Gosselaar Education

Ava Lorenn Gosselaar has always been encouraged by her parents to focus on education and personal growth rather than fame. As of 2025, she is nineteen years old and is believed to be attending college, where she is studying subjects related to environmental science or liberal arts. Her family has kept her school details private to protect her privacy, but it is known that Ava is a bright, curious, and hardworking student. She enjoys learning, reading, and exploring new ideas, showing that she values knowledge and independence. Her interest in environmental studies also reflects her caring and thoughtful personality.

Life Away from Hollywood

Despite being the daughter of a well-known actor, Ava has managed to stay away from Hollywood’s spotlight. Unlike many children of celebrities who are frequently seen at public events or active on social media, Ava maintains a quiet and private life. Her father has spoken openly about his efforts to shield his children from fame, explaining that he wants them to grow up without the pressure of public attention.

He believes that if his children ever choose to enter the entertainment industry, it should be their own decision when they are ready. Because of this, Ava has no public social media accounts and rarely appears in photographs online. Her upbringing focuses more on personal happiness, education, and family bonding. This approach has given her the chance to live a normal teenage life and form genuine friendships without the distractions of fame.

Relationship with Parents

Ava shares a strong bond with both her parents. Her father, Mark-Paul, often mentions that family is his top priority. He enjoys spending time with his kids, coaching sports, attending school events, and creating lasting memories. He has said in interviews that he keeps journals about his children, writing down their milestones and special moments. This thoughtful practice shows how deeply he values his role as a father.

Lisa Ann Russell, Ava’s mother, has also been a consistent and loving presence in her life. After leaving her acting career, Lisa focused on being a full-time mother and creating a stable environment for her children. Her marriage to Jeff Probst has also added positivity to Ava’s upbringing, as Jeff has spoken publicly about caring for Lisa’s children as if they were his own. Together, they have built a peaceful home where family values come first.

Future Plans

At nineteen, Ava is still discovering what she wants to do in the future. There are no public signs that she plans to enter acting or modeling, even though she comes from a family connected to the entertainment industry. Her focus appears to be on academics and exploring meaningful career paths, possibly in environmental studies or community development.

She seems interested in using her education to contribute positively to the world, whether that’s through environmental projects, advocacy work, or another form of social contribution. Her parents have always encouraged her to follow her own path, whatever that may be, and to pursue what makes her truly happy.

Privacy

Privacy has always been an important part of Ava’s life. Her parents made it clear early on that they would not expose their children to media unless necessary. This choice has helped Ava grow up without the constant pressure that often comes with being a celebrity’s child. While some fans wish to know more about her, most respect her family’s decision to keep their personal life out of the public eye. In a world where many young people share every part of their lives online, Ava’s privacy is refreshing. It shows that living quietly and focusing on personal growth can still be admired and respected.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

Since Ava is still a student and has not started her own career, she does not have a personal net worth. However, her father, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, has an estimated net worth of around nine million dollars, thanks to his long and successful acting career. This financial stability has given Ava a comfortable upbringing and access to quality education and opportunities. Despite their financial success, the Gosselaar family is known for being modest and down-to-earth. They live a balanced lifestyle where hard work, gratitude, and kindness are more important than luxury or fame.

Family Values

What stands out most about Ava’s life is the importance of family values. Her father has often said that being a parent is the most rewarding part of his life. He and Lisa Ann Russell have done everything possible to raise their children with respect, kindness, and love. Even though the family went through changes due to divorce, they have remained supportive and united. Ava’s step-parents, Jeff Probst and Catriona McGinn, also play loving roles in her life, making the family bond even stronger. The way her family functions is an example of how modern families can thrive when there is mutual respect and understanding.

Conclusion