Mario Lopez
A man of many trades, Mario Lopez has the overwhelming desire to always keep active. Mario is the two-time Emmy winning host of EXTRA, a nationally syndicated daily show. Concurrently, Lopez is the host of the nationwide iHeartMedia radio shows On with Mario Lopez and iHeartRadio Countdown with Mario Lopez. Not only does Lopez have a proclivity for the entertainment industry, he is also an avid sports fan. He has taken his love for sports, specifically boxing, to the next level as a recurring commentator on HBO Boxing. Lopez also produced the documentary CHAMPS, which premiered at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival. The film focuses on the lives of boxers Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Bernard Hopkins. In March 2015, MundoFox premiered the docu-reality series Los Golden Boys, produced by Mario Lopez and Oscar De La Hoya. The new series dives into what it takes to become a world-boxing champion and the daily struggles fighters face.
In September 2014, Lopez released his first autobiography, Just Between Us. In his memoir Lopez shares his successes and disappointments, never before-told stories and family values. Lopez became a New York Times bestselling author for his healthy eating guide Extra Lean. In May 2011, he released the follow up to Extra Lean entitled Extra Lean Family. This new book featured recipes and tips that are beneficial to the entire family. Additionally, Lopez penned Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness a bestselling fitness book that offers readers a look into his impressive workout regime, and Mud Tacos, a vibrant children’s book he co-authored with his sister Marissa. As a follow up to Mud Tacos, Lopez released Mario & Baby Gia, a children’s book he wrote for his daughter, Gia. The book is currently being developed into an animated series.
No stranger to rigorous routines, Lopez danced his way to the finals in the third season of ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars. Shortly after, in summer 2009, Lopez successfully completed his first run on Broadway. He starred in the long running hit musical A Chorus Line as the audience loved character ‘Zach.’
Mario was named the Alumni Ambassador of Fitness by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), while joining the ranks of some 25 other prominent alumni, including Denzel Washington and President Clinton, in the organization’s BE GREAT campaign. Mario helps bring to light the major issues affecting today’s young people, including the importance of graduating from high school and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the key role community-based organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs play in the positive development of children.
Even with all his other ventures, Mario is still in love with acting. Lopez reincarnated his guest-starring role as Dr. Mike Hamoui on the final season of F/X network’s popular show Nip/Tuck. Lopez’s run on the series garnished an instant and well-deserved cult following. He previously starred in the highest rated program in ABC Family history, Holiday in Handcuffs. He also starred opposite Mark Consuelos in the made for TV movie Husband for Hire, which was the most watched program ever on the Oxygen Network.
Mario currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Courtney and their daughter, Gia and son, Dominic.
Kim Christiansen
Christiansen grew up in Colorado and graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her first job was as a writer and associate producer for the 6 a.m. news here at 9NEWS. She went on to work as a writer for the late newscasts and eventually made the transition to general assignment reporter. Her first anchor position was on 9News Saturday Morning. She went on to anchor the 5 and 10 p.m. on the weekends with Ward Lucas. She currently serves as a co-anchor of 4 p.m. at 9NEWS and 9NEWS at 9 p.m..
Christiansen has won four regional Emmy awards for spot news, news writing and news reporting. She is also devoted to the fight against breast cancer. She serves as the spokesperson for the Buddy Check9 program and speaks to dozens of community groups about the importance of self-exam and mammography. Her sister Keri was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and has taken an active role in our efforts to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. The Buddy Check 9 program has been nominated for a national community service Emmy award.
Christiansen is a former Miss Colorado and won a special talent award at the Miss America Scholarship pageant. She feels extremely blessed to be living and working in her hometown. She’s very close to her family and considers her sister to be her best friend.