These days, our knowledge of celebrities too often originates with paparazzi images and snarky quotes by anonymous "insiders." After a while, it's easy to forget that stars are real people. That's why HuffPost Celebrity decided to launch its all-new #nofilter quick-fire question-and-answer series. Because how well do you know someone until they've shared their guiltiest pleasures?
Mario Lopez has had one of the most recognizable manes on the small screen since his "Saved by the Bell" days. So it's no surprise the follically blessed "Extra" and "X Factor" host was tapped to be a brand ambassador for Nioxin, a line of products designed for thinning hair. In honor of the partnership, Lopez chatted with us about Hollywood's most impressive coifs and his latest gig, as a father of two.
Why did you want to work with Nioxin?
I wanted to work with Nioxin because I use it. When I stress out, my body reacts where my hair starts to come out, and it’s in my family, too. So, just to be preventative and on top of it, I wanted the best stuff out there. And I’m comfortable enough in my own skin where I figured that I'd talk about it to get other men comfortable because I know sometimes they’re a little reluctant to inquire, and it is a concern for most guys.
What male celebrity has the best hair?
Bradley Cooper has a pretty damn good wig -- in “The Hangover,” not in “Silver Linings Playbook.” But in “The Hangover” I was sometimes distracted because I was mesmerized by his hair. Robert Pattinson in the first “Twilight”-- that’s an impressive wig right there. Harry Styles -- that kid has a great head of hair. Patrick Dempsey has great hair. John Stamos. George Clooney’s got a little salt and pepper. I rattled those off too quickly, huh? I am, like, a hair guy, meaning I appreciate a good head of hair.
Who's the sexiest bald celebrity?
I think if you’re going to pull off the bald look, it helps if you’re real tan, you've got nice teeth and you’re in shape. So by those standards, I think The Rock pulls off the bald look really well.
Have you ever had a bad hair day?
I’ve had many bad hair days. My motto on my shows is “If the wig is tight, the show’s going to be tight. If not then it’s going to be a disaster.”
Any hairstyle regrets? A.C. Slater’s mullet, for example?
At the time, I thought it was cool. Looking back, not so cool. But it’s forever documented and I get to poke fun at myself just like everyone else.
If you were auditioning for "X Factor," what would you sing?
I would do something I could sing and maybe dance to at the same time. I would want to say something by Michael Jackson, but I wouldn’t do it justice. Let’s go with something by Lionel Richie. “All Night Long.” It’s easy, kind of karaoke.
Has Simon Cowell given you any advice?
He’s great. I love working with him. He’s just been very supportive and happy with me and the way everything’s going. No other advice than “Keep doing what you’re doing” and “You’re doing a great job.” So far, so good.
What's the best part of fatherhood, and what's the most challenging?
The best part is when I come home and open the door and hear little feet and “Daddy” and there are toys everywhere and she’s cuddling with you. The most challenging is probably just when I do have to travel and be away, but my wife’s pretty understanding so she gets it.
You just welcomed your second child, Dominic. Does parenting get easier the second time around?
Well, he’s only a few weeks old. And he’s a good little baby. He doesn’t cry a lot. It’s challenging for my daughter because she’s used to the attention and sort of has an attitude like “What’s up with this kid? Is he sticking around?” And that part’s a little challenging.
Would you let your kids watch "Saved by the Bell" when they're older?
My wife will probably show them just to poke fun.
What's one thing from your “Saved by the Bell” wardrobe that you wish you could wear now?
Absolutely nothing. The stuff that I used to wear personally back then, but not on the show. I didn’t pick any of that stuff out, just so you know. They’d give me what to wear and I’d put it on. So, it was whatever was trendy back then -- the Z. Cavaricci’s and all that stuff.
If you could give advice to a younger version of yourself, what would it be?
Probably to just think twice about some of the choices that I made growing up. I learned all my lessons; I just had to learn them the hard way. Maybe I wouldn’t have had to if I had thought a little bit more.
What's your guiltiest pleasure?
Popcorn and M&Ms are my favorite snack.
What shows are always on your DVR?
Right now, everything’s Disney Junior, Sprout or some version of the “Housewives” shows because my wife and kids dominate that. When everyone’s asleep, I watch the HBO lineup, so ”Game of Thrones,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and “Homeland” on Showtime. I like “Shark Tank” too.
What's the dumbest thing you've read about yourself?
I don’t think I’ve read any silly rumors. I haven’t been dead yet. Screech was dead, Zack was dead.
What's on your nightstand?
My alarm clock, a lamp, this daily spiritual book that I read and a remote control.
What would people be surprised to know you've never done?
I’ve never done drugs.
Who's your ideal drinking buddy, living or dead?
I want to drink with the pope.
Looking back, what was the most ridiculous episode of "Saved by the Bell"?
I had a pet chameleon, and I was distraught over the death of the chameleon. It was a puppy at one point, but they thought it might be too hard for kids because, remember, it was a Saturday morning show. So they said we can’t do a puppy, it has to be a chameleon. So that was pretty bad, because I would not (A) have a chameleon or (B) be distraught if it died. I don’t even know where you get a chameleon.
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