Mark-Paul Gosselaar Triumphs Over Stigma of Having Been "Zack"
Stars in New Steven Bochco Drama "Raising the Bar"
Mark-Paul, who began his career with modeling at the age of five-years-old, sprang to fame as the character, Zack Morris, on "Saved By the Bell" which aired from 1989-1993. The series featured six teenagers and their high school adventures in Palisades, California. Gosselaar went through his own teen years, ages fifteen to nineteen, as his character Zack did the same.
Gosselaar, born March 1, 1974 to parents Hans and Paula in Panorama, California, spent his own high school years at Hart High School in Santa Clarita Valley, California. His father is of Dutch origin; his mother of Dutch and Indonesian origin. Gosselaar, whose parents and siblings were all born in the Netherlands, speaks fluent Dutch himself.
Gosselaar's stint as Zack, though a success for him with a young audience, made it difficult for him to shake that persona in finding more adult roles. In 1998 Gosselaar starred in the feature film "Dead Man on Campus" which was followed by the serial drama "Hyperion Bay."
2001 saw him in the movie "The Princess and the Marine." After a stint on the short-lived series "D.C.," Gosselaar landed the role of John Clark, partner to Dennis Franz's character in the long-running, Emmy-winning drama, "NYPD Blue" from 2001-2005. When the "Blue" series ended, Gosselaar moved on to the short-run series, "Commander in Chief" with Geena Davis.
Both "NYPD Blue" and "Commander in Chief" were produced by Steven Bochco. Gosselaar must be well thought of by the Emmy-winning creator as Gosselaar has a starring role in Bocho's soon-to-air series, "Raising the Bar."
In this new series, Gosselaar's character is a public defender who goes to great lengths to provide defenses for a population that is often under-served. The cast of "Raising the Bar" is rounded out by actors Gloria Reuben (formerly of "E.R."), Jane Kazmarek ("Malcolm in the Middle"), Melissa Sagemiller ("Sleeper Cell"), and J. August Richards ("Angel"). "Raising the Bar" is set to premiere September 1, 2008 on TNT.
Those who still think of Gosselaar as the bleached blond Zack may have difficulty recognizing and coming to grips with the actor's mature looks in "Raising the Bar," where his character sports a wavy, longish, brown-haired look complete with three piece suits.
"Raising the Bar" may be just the vehicle for Gosselaar to shed his teen image and be accepted as a talented, dramatic actor.
Published by L.L. Woodard
Freelance writer/editor and freelance observer of life. Three decades of nursing experience in long-term care, from development of team care planning to hands-on patient care. View profile
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- Gosselaar played Zack Morris in "Saved By the Bell" from 1989-1993
- Co-starred as Detective John Clark on "NYPD Blue" from 2001-2005
- Currently co-starring in a one hour drama, "Raising the Bar" set to debut on TNT
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I loved Saved By The Bell.
MPG rocked in "Dead Man on Campus" and was pretty solid in the years he spent on NYPD Blue. If I was casting a movie, I would definitely cast MPG in a witty, smart-ass role even with his child star past. Too bad no one will let me cast or direct a movie....heck, I get kicked out of theaters sometimes. Yikes!
He's definitely proving himself to be an actor with depth but I'll always think of him as Zack first, good actor second. :)
Having watched all the episodes of Raising the Bar thus far, I'll have to admit I'm intrigued. Mark-Paul is certainly showing his dramatic acting chops in this series.
wow...so he's breaking out of Zack mode? I'd be interested to see this...
I've watched all the episodes so far but am still on the fence as to whether I'll be a true fan and stick with the show.
This week's episode had more of those familiar Bochco touches. I understand the premiere episode needed to introduce everyone and set up the series' premise. I'm liking it better already.
I didn't catch the premiere, but the cast sounds phenomenal, and of course I love MP!
I have to say I was a little disappointed with the first episode of "Raising the Bar," but am willing to give it a few episodes before I make up my mind.