Who Is Ava Lorenn Gosselaar? Fascinating Facts You Should Know

by
June 22, 2025
5 mins read
Ava Lorenn Gosselaar

When people come across the name Ava Lorenn Gosselaar, curiosity is often piqued. The young girl is part of Hollywood royalty, born into a family with deep ties to American television history. Her father is none other than Mark-Paul Gosselaar, a household name for his iconic portrayal of Zack Morris on the legendary 90s sitcom Saved by the Bell. Though Ava is still in her formative years, her connection to one of television’s most recognizable faces has put her name on the radar of fans and pop culture enthusiasts.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into everything you should know about Ava Lorenn Gosselaar — from her family background to her life so far, along with insights into her famous father’s career and legacy. This article will answer many questions surrounding Ava and give a fuller picture of her story, even as she continues to grow up largely outside the public eye.

Quick Bio

DetailDescription
Full NameAva Lorenn Gosselaar
GenderFemale
Date of BirthMay 7, 2006
Place of BirthLos Angeles, California, United States
Age17 years (as of 2023)
Zodiac SignTaurus
Sexual OrientationStraight
Famous ForBeing the daughter of Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Lisa Ann Russell
ParentsMark-Paul Gosselaar (Father), Lisa Ann Russell (Mother)
Siblings2 (Michael Charles Gosselaar and Lachlyn Hope Gosselaar)
EthnicityMixed
NationalityAmerican
Net WorthN/A

A Hollywood Heritage: Who Are Ava Lorenn Gosselaar’s Parents?

Ava Lorenn Gosselaar was born in 2016 to actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his wife Catriona McGinn. Her father, of course, achieved fame as the star of Saved by the Bell, a series that became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Mark-Paul transitioned from child star to accomplished adult actor, appearing in numerous television shows like NYPD Blue, Franklin & Bash, and Mixed-ish. His impressive resume has made him one of the more successful former child actors in Hollywood.

Her mother, Catriona McGinn, is an accomplished businesswoman who has worked as an advertising executive. Though not a celebrity in the entertainment world, Catriona has built a respected career in marketing and media, contributing to the couple’s ability to balance fame with a grounded personal life. The pair married in 2012 and have two children together: Ava and her older brother, Dekker Edward Gosselaar, born in 2013.

Correcting Common Misconceptions About Ava’s Mother

One point of frequent confusion arises from the notion that Ava is the daughter of Lisa Ann Russell, Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s first wife. While Lisa is the mother of Mark-Paul’s first two children — Michael Charles Gosselaar and Ava Lorenn’s half-sister, Ava Lorenn was born from Mark-Paul’s second marriage to Catriona McGinn.

It is an understandable mix-up because Lisa and Mark-Paul’s previous marriage lasted over a decade, and they remained in the public eye as a couple for many years. However, for clarity: Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is the biological daughter of Catriona McGinn and has a close-knit blended family that includes her half-siblings from her father’s first marriage.

The Early Years: Growing Up in a Celebrity Family

Despite having a famous father, Ava Lorenn Gosselaar’s parents have been notably protective of her privacy. They have chosen to raise their children outside the glaring lights of Hollywood, prioritizing a normal and grounded upbringing. Mark-Paul himself has expressed in interviews that he values privacy for his kids and does not wish to thrust them into the spotlight unless they choose that path for themselves later in life.

Still, from glimpses shared by the family through public appearances and occasional social media posts, Ava is clearly growing up in a loving environment surrounded by family and creativity. Reports suggest that Mark-Paul and Catriona strive to give their children a well-rounded childhood that balances the arts with education, outdoor activities, and normal family life.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s Thoughts on Fatherhood

To understand Ava Lorenn Gosselaar’s family life, it is helpful to consider her father’s approach to parenting. Mark-Paul Gosselaar has spoken openly about how much being a father means to him. He often emphasizes the importance of being present and involved, even while juggling a demanding career in entertainment.

In interviews, he’s admitted that fatherhood changed him in profound ways and made him reassess how he manages time between acting commitments and home life. His focus on quality family time suggests that Ava benefits from a supportive father who prioritizes emotional connection and guidance. This perspective likely contributes to Ava’s positive upbringing and helps her navigate life as a celebrity child with grounded values.

Siblings and Family Dynamics

Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is the youngest of Mark-Paul’s four children. She has one full sibling, older brother Dekker Edward Gosselaar, and two half-siblings — Michael Charles Gosselaar and Luca Bella Gosselaar — from Mark-Paul’s marriage to Lisa Ann Russell.

The Gosselaar family is known to maintain healthy relationships across their blended household. Mark-Paul has mentioned that co-parenting with his ex-wife has been amicable and collaborative, which helps foster a supportive environment for all the children, including Ava. Family gatherings and vacations often bring all the siblings together, creating a network of relationships that provide Ava with both love and stability.

Life Away from the Limelight

Unlike some celebrity children who grow up constantly photographed by the paparazzi, Ava Lorenn Gosselaar’s parents consciously avoid overexposing her to media attention. Mark-Paul and Catriona rarely post photos of their children and generally refrain from bringing them to public Hollywood events.

This choice reflects their desire for Ava and her siblings to experience a childhood where they can simply be kids, away from the pressures of fame. Sources close to the family suggest that Ava enjoys a typical life, attending school, playing with friends, participating in extracurricular activities, and spending time outdoors.

Potential for a Future in Entertainment?

Naturally, with such a famous father, people wonder if Ava Lorenn Gosselaar might follow in Mark-Paul’s footsteps one day and pursue a career in acting or entertainment. While it’s too early to say — as Ava is still very young — her parents appear committed to letting her make that decision for herself when the time comes.

Mark-Paul himself has indicated that while he supports any career paths his children might choose, he would prefer them to enter the entertainment world only if it’s truly their passion and not because of outside expectations. If Ava eventually decides to step into acting or another creative field, she will undoubtedly have access to invaluable mentorship from her father — but for now, her focus remains firmly on enjoying childhood.

Mark-Paul’s Continued Popularity Keeps Fans Interested

Another reason why Ava Lorenn Gosselaar continues to generate interest is due to her father’s ongoing career and lasting popularity. Even decades after Saved by the Bell ended, Mark-Paul Gosselaar maintains a strong following and continues to land roles in popular TV series.

His loyal fanbase frequently expresses curiosity about his family life, naturally leading to questions about his children, including Ava. This curiosity is only heightened by the family’s preference for privacy — the less the public sees of Ava, the more intrigued they become about the life of this young girl growing up as the daughter of one of TV’s most recognizable actors.

Final Thoughts: Who Is Ava Lorenn Gosselaar Today?

In conclusion, Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is a bright, happy young girl being raised in a balanced, loving environment by parents who value privacy, education, and emotional well-being. While her father remains a star in the entertainment world, Ava’s own path remains wide open. Whether she one day chooses to enter the public eye or leads a quieter life, she will always be the daughter of one of America’s most beloved actors and part of an extended, supportive family.

For now, the story of Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is still being written. But one thing is clear: with a grounded upbringing, strong family ties, and the freedom to choose her future, Ava is set to grow up with all the opportunities she needs to chart her own unique path — whether it leads to Hollywood or somewhere entirely different.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Who are Ava Lorenn Gosselaar’s parents?

  •  Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is the daughter of actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his wife, advertising executive Catriona McGinn.

2. Is Ava Lorenn Gosselaar the daughter of Lisa Ann Russell?

  •  No. While Lisa Ann Russell was Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s first wife, Ava is the biological daughter of Mark-Paul and Catriona McGinn.

3. Does Ava Lorenn Gosselaar have siblings?

  •  Yes, Ava has an older brother, Dekker Edward Gosselaar, and two half-siblings, Michael Charles and Luca Bella Gosselaar.

4. Does Ava Lorenn Gosselaar appear in public often?

  •  No. Her parents have chosen to give Ava a private upbringing and rarely bring her to public events.

5. Will Ava Lorenn Gosselaar become an actress?

  •  It is too early to tell. Her parents have stated they will support whatever path she chooses when she is older.

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