Where Are They Now Saved By The Bell

Remember those neon colors? The questionable fashion choices? And of course, Zack Morris's ridiculously huge brick cell phone? Yep, we're talking about Saved by the Bell, that iconic show that somehow managed to blend high school drama with slapstick comedy like a perfectly blended smoothie (albeit one made with way too much artificial sweetener). It was the show that taught us important life lessons, like how to avoid detention by distracting Mr. Belding with a poorly timed magic trick, or that the school hallway was basically Zack's personal runway.

But what happened to our favorite Bayside High graduates after they traded their lockers for, well, life? It's a question that's probably popped into your head during a nostalgic Netflix binge, right? Where are these characters, these people who felt like our friends, now? Let's take a little trip down memory lane and see what the cast has been up to. It's kinda like checking in on old classmates, only way more entertaining and with less awkward small talk about jobs and mortgages.

Zack Morris: The Schemer Who Grew Up (Sort Of)

Ah, Zack Morris. The king of the prank, the master manipulator, the guy who could probably sell ice to an Eskimo. Mark-Paul Gosselaar, the actor who brought Zack to life, has had a pretty interesting career since his Bayside days. He didn't just disappear into the ether like some forgotten homework assignment. Nope, Mark-Paul has been busy!

He's popped up in a bunch of different shows, proving he's not just a one-trick pony (or a one-schemer pony, perhaps?). He was on NYPD Blue, which is a huge jump from hanging out at The Max. Talk about range! And then there was Franklin & Bash, where he played a lawyer who was, surprise surprise, a bit of a charming rogue. Sound familiar? It’s like Zack Morris decided to take his persuasive skills to the courtroom, and honestly, I'm not mad about it.

Most recently, he’s been starring in The Passage and the Saved by the Bell revival on Peacock, where he’s actually playing a much more mature, but still undeniably Zack-like, governor. It’s a wild ride to see him revisit that character, now with a little more gravitas (and hopefully a more updated phone). He’s definitely shown that he's more than just the lovable troublemaker from Bayside.

Kelly Kapowski: America's Sweetheart Still Shining

Kelly Kapowski, the epitome of perky cheerleader perfection. Tiffani Thiessen, the actress who played her, has absolutely blossomed. She’s far from the girl who just worried about her next cheerleading routine or Zack's latest scheme. Tiffani has built a seriously impressive career for herself.

She’s graced our screens in everything from Beverly Hills, 90210 (another iconic 90s show – talk about a crossover event!) to her own cooking show, Dinner at Tiffani's. Yep, she went from being the girl who probably burned toast to a legitimate culinary personality. It’s pretty cool to see that transformation. She’s also a mom and has a presence on social media, sharing glimpses of her life and her undoubtedly delicious cooking.

And guess what? She also made a comeback in the Saved by the Bell revival, reprising her role as Kelly, who is now the First Lady of California. Talk about a glow-up! It’s like she aged in reverse, maintaining that classic charm while embracing a more sophisticated vibe. She’s proof that some people just get better with age, like a fine wine or, you know, a perfectly aged cheese platter.

Slater: The Jock with a Heart of Gold (and Muscles)

A.C. Slater, the lovable jock with a surprisingly sensitive side. Mario Lopez, the actor who played him, has become a bona fide media personality. He's practically everywhere, and in the best way possible!

Mario has hosted a ton of shows, most notably Extra, where he's been a staple for years, interviewing celebrities and keeping us all updated on Hollywood gossip. He's also branched out into radio and even Broadway! This guy is a true multi-hyphenate. He's like a Swiss Army knife of entertainment – you never know what he's going to do next, but you know it's going to be good.

And for all you nostalgic fans out there, yes, he did reprise his role as Slater in the Saved by the Bell revival. Seeing him back in his Bayside High days, even as a gym teacher, was a treat. He’s still got those signature dance moves and that undeniable charisma. He's proof that some guys just never lose their cool, even if their hair has gotten a little more… refined.

Lisa Turtle: Fashion Forward and Fabulous

Lisa Turtle, the fashionista of the group, always sporting the latest trends. Lark Voorhies, the actress who played her, has had a varied path since leaving Bayside. While her public life has had its ups and downs, her impact as Lisa is undeniable.

Lisa's character was a breath of fresh air, always bringing a stylish edge to the show. She was the one you'd look to for fashion advice (even if some of those trends were… questionable in hindsight). Lark herself has been involved in various projects, and her distinctive presence certainly left a mark on the series.

While Lisa didn't have a major role in the Saved by the Bell revival, her spirit and fashion-forward legacy live on. It's a reminder that even characters who might not be front and center in every reunion still hold a special place in our hearts. She was the trendsetter, the one who dared to be different, and we loved her for it.

Screech Powers: The Genius (and Goofy) Sidekick

And then there's Screech. Oh, Screech. The lovable, eccentric genius. Dustin Diamond, the actor who played him, had a life that was, unfortunately, more complex than Screech's wildest inventions.

Dustin was very open about his struggles and faced some legal issues after his time on the show. It’s a somber reminder that behind the laughter and the bright lights of Hollywood, real-life challenges exist. He was a breakout star from a young age, and navigating that kind of fame can be incredibly difficult.

Sadly, Dustin Diamond passed away in 2021. It was a loss that resonated with many who grew up with him on their screens. His legacy as the quirky, endearing Screech will always be remembered, a testament to the impact a character, and the actor who played him, can have.

Jessie Spano: The Activist with Ambition

Jessie Spano, the bright, ambitious, and sometimes overly caffeinated one. Elizabeth Berkley, the actress who played her, has had a truly fascinating career evolution. She's not just Jessie anymore; she's a versatile performer.

Elizabeth famously took on a much more mature role in the controversial but critically acclaimed film Showgirls. This was a massive departure from Jessie's wholesome image, and it showed a daring side to her acting. She's also appeared in other television shows and films, demonstrating her ability to take on diverse characters.

She, too, made a welcome return in the Saved by the Bell revival, playing Jessie, now a single mother and activist. It was great to see her back, still embodying that strong, driven spirit. She proved that the girl who got a little too excited about caffeine pills could grow into a powerful woman. She’s an inspiration, really, showing us that growth and change are not only possible but can be incredibly powerful.

Scrapbook Memories

Looking back at the cast of Saved by the Bell is like flipping through an old yearbook. You see familiar faces, remember the good times, and are reminded of how much everyone has grown and changed. It's pretty amazing how a show from decades ago can still hold our attention and spark our curiosity.

They’ve all gone on to have their own unique paths, some more public than others. But the magic of Bayside High, the laughter, the lessons (however quirky), and the undeniable chemistry of that cast, lives on. It's a testament to the enduring power of pop culture and the characters who become a part of our childhoods. So, next time you catch a rerun or see one of them on your screen, give a little nod to Bayside. They might be grown up, but a piece of them will always be Zack, Kelly, Slater, Lisa, Screech, and Jessie.