Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on the internet over the last decade, you’ve probably seen the photo. You know the one. Mario Lopez, perched precariously on a ladder, wearing nothing but a pair of tiny red briefs while decorating a Christmas tree.
It’s basically a holiday tradition at this point.
The image, affectionately dubbed "The Lopezy" by Mario and his crew, first broke the internet back in 2012. It wasn't some high-budget, airbrushed fashion campaign for a luxury house in Milan. Nope. It was just a candid moment snapped by his wife, Courtney, in their old house because Mario couldn’t reach the star on the tree. Their daughter, Gia—who was just a toddler then—grabbed his legs to steady him, and a viral legend was born.
But there’s a reason mario lopez in briefs remains such a massive search term even now, in 2026. It’s not just about the physique, though let’s be real, the guy is 52 and still looks like he’s in Saved by the Bell wrestling shape. It’s about how he turned a "cheeky" moment into a masterclass in celebrity branding.
The Business of the Briefs: Rated M and MaLo
Most people forget that the 2012 photo wasn't just a random thirst trap. It actually coincided with Mario launching his own underwear lines, Rated M and later MaLo. He wasn't just wearing red underwear for the festive spirit; he was wearing his own brand.
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He didn't want to just be another celebrity face for someone else's product. He told The Advocate back in the day that he wanted to start with the "bare necessities" and work his way out. He literally started from the bottom.
Rated M stood for "Masculine, Modern, Mario," but he’s always been the first to joke about it. He knows he gets teased for walking around in his underwear. He’s called himself a "Nature Boy" because he’s just that comfortable. That comfort level is exactly what makes the marketing work. While other actors might shy away from being seen as "just a body," Mario leaned into it with a wink and a smile.
Remember the time he had to streak through The Grove in his underwear because he lost a Super Bowl bet? Most people would be mortified. Mario just put on a helmet and some sneakers and went for a jog. That’s the "A.C. Slater" confidence that never really left him.
Recreating the Magic: The 2025 Viral Update
Fast forward to late 2025. Mario decided to give the fans exactly what they wanted for the holidays. He recreated the original ladder photo, red briefs and all.
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This time, things were a little different. Gia is now 15, so his youngest son, Santino, took over the job of holding Dad’s ankles. It was a full-circle moment that hit Google Discover like a freight train. People love the nostalgia. They love seeing that some things—like Mario's commitment to his fitness routine—just don't change.
Why the Public is Still Obsessed
- Relatability (Sorta): Okay, most of us don't look like that on a ladder, but the "dad doing chores" vibe is oddly wholesome.
- The Fitness Standard: Mario has been open about his "non-negotiable" health habits. He treats exercise as a stress reliever, not just a vanity project.
- Humor: He doesn't take the "sexy" tag too seriously. Whether he's doing a Risky Business dance on Access Daily or blushing while Ellen DeGeneres unbuttons his shirt, he plays the "good sport" role perfectly.
The "No Shirt" Rule That Didn't Last
Back in 2008, when Mario first started hosting Extra, he actually told People magazine that his shirtless photo-shoot days were behind him. He wanted to be taken seriously as a host. He literally said, "You will never see me host Extra without a shirt."
Yeah, that lasted about as long as a New Year's resolution.
Between the Nip/Tuck shower scenes and the constant underwear brand promotions, it became clear that the public—and the advertisers—weren't ready for him to cover up. He realized that you can be a serious businessman, a devoted father, and still be the guy who looks great in a pair of trunks. It’s not mutually exclusive.
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How to Get the Mario Lopez Look (The Workout, Not the Briefs)
If you're looking at those photos and wondering how a guy over 50 maintains that level of definition, it's not magic. It’s actually pretty grueling. He’s a big proponent of:
- Boxing and Jiu-Jitsu: He doesn't just lift weights; he does combat sports to keep the cardio high.
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Short, explosive bursts that burn fat while preserving muscle.
- Consistency: He works out almost every single day, even when he’s traveling for work.
- The "Lopezy" Diet: Lots of lean protein (tuna and chicken) and very few "empty" carbs, though he has admitted to a weakness for dark chocolate and spicy food.
Final Take: More Than Just a Photo
At the end of the day, the obsession with mario lopez in briefs says as much about our culture as it does about him. We love a comeback. We love someone who stays at the top of their game for thirty years. Whether he's acting, hosting, or just decorating a tree in his skivvies, Mario has figured out the secret to longevity in Hollywood: don't be afraid to show a little skin if it keeps people smiling.
If you want to emulate his success, start by making your health a "non-negotiable" priority. Focus on functional fitness—like boxing or swimming—rather than just aesthetics. This builds the kind of longevity that allows you to still feel confident in your own skin decades down the line. Additionally, keep an eye on his On with Mario podcast for his latest wellness protocols, as he’s currently exploring biohacking and longevity science to stay active well into his 100s.
Actionable Next Steps:
To maintain a physique similar to Mario's, prioritize a high-protein diet with a focus on recovery. Incorporate at least 20 minutes of daily movement, focusing on a mix of strength training and flexibility to prevent injuries as you age. If you're looking for his specific style, check out his Rated M or MaLo collections, which prioritize athletic cuts designed for men with more muscular frames.