Hollywood has always had a soft spot for second-generation actors. When your dad starred in one of TV’s most beloved shows, people naturally wonder if you’ll follow the same path. Ava Lorenn Gosselaar stepped into the spotlight in 2024, and she’s doing exactly that—on her own terms.
The 18-year-old actress made her professional debut on The Bold and the Beautiful, one of daytime television’s longest-running soap operas. She’s the daughter of Mark-Paul Gosselaar, best known for playing Zack Morris on Saved by the Bell. But Ava isn’t just riding on a famous last name. She’s carving out her own space in the entertainment world, one scene at a time.
Who Is Ava Lorenn Gosselaar?
Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is an emerging soap opera actress who joined the cast of The Bold and the Beautiful in 2024. Born in 2006, she grew up in Los Angeles with direct ties to Hollywood through her father, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and her mother, Catriona McGinn, an advertising executive.
Her entry into acting wasn’t exactly a surprise. Growing up around sets and industry conversations gave her an early glimpse into what a television career looks like. Still, she waited until she felt ready to make her own mark. When the opportunity came to audition for a major daytime drama, she took it seriously.
Ava plays a recurring character on the CBS soap opera, bringing fresh energy to a show that’s been on air since 1987. For someone just starting, landing a role on such an established series shows both talent and timing. Fans of the show have responded positively, and her social media following has grown as more viewers discover her work.
She’s not trying to replicate her father’s career path. Mark-Paul became a teen icon in the late ’80s and early ’90s, then transitioned into more serious roles in shows like NYPD Blue and Franklin & Bash. Ava’s approach feels different—quieter, more deliberate, and rooted in building skills rather than chasing fame.
Early Life and Family Background
Ava was born in 2006 in Los Angeles, making her 18 years old as of 2024. She’s the eldest child of Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Catriona McGinn, who married in 2012. The couple has kept their kids relatively out of the public eye compared to other celebrity families.
She has two younger brothers, Dekker Edward and Lachlan, who were born in 2013 and 2015. The Gosselaar household blends Hollywood connections with a grounded family dynamic. Catriona works in advertising, bringing a different perspective to the table than the typical showbiz parent.
Ava also has two older half-siblings from her father’s first marriage to Lisa Ann Russell—Michael Charles and Ava Gosselaar. Yes, there are two Avas in the family, which occasionally confuses online. The blended family dynamic seems to work well, with Mark-Paul often sharing glimpses of family time on his social media.
Growing up with a famous father meant Ava was exposed to the entertainment industry early. Set visits, industry events, and conversations about scripts were part of everyday life. But her parents made sure she had a relatively normal childhood. She attended school in Los Angeles, participated in typical teenage activities, and wasn’t pushed into acting before she was ready.
Unlike some celebrity kids who start auditioning as children, Ava took her time. She observed, learned, and decided on her own timeline. That patience seems to have paid off. When she finally stepped in front of the camera professionally, she had the maturity to handle it.
Stepping Into Acting
Ava’s decision to pursue acting wasn’t sudden. She’d been watching her father work for years, seeing both the glamorous parts and the grueling hours. She knew what she was signing up for.
Her training and preparation details aren’t widely publicized, but it’s clear she didn’t just show up unprepared. Landing a role on The Bold and the Beautiful requires audition skills, on-camera presence, and the ability to memorize dialogue quickly. Soap operas shoot fast—sometimes multiple episodes per week—so actors need to be sharp.
The comparisons to her father were inevitable. Mark-Paul’s portrayal of Zack Morris is still referenced in pop culture today. But Ava seems comfortable with the connection rather than intimidated by it. She’s spoken briefly in interviews about how her dad has given her advice, but she’s also clear that she wants to build her own reputation.
Choosing soap opera work as a starting point is actually smart. Daytime dramas offer consistent work, tight production schedules that teach discipline, and the chance to develop a character over time. Many successful actors, including Julianne Moore, Meg Ryan, and Alec Baldwin, got their start in soap operas before moving to film and primetime television.
For Ava, it’s a training ground. She’s learning how to hit her marks, deliver emotional scenes, and work with a large ensemble cast. These are foundational skills that will serve her well no matter where her career goes next.
The Bold and the Beautiful Role
In 2024, Ava joined the cast of The Bold and the Beautiful, stepping into a world that’s been captivating audiences for over three decades. The show, set in the Los Angeles fashion industry, follows the lives of the Forrester family and their romantic entanglements.
Ava plays a recurring character whose storyline connects to some of the show’s core families. While specific plot details shift as soap operas constantly evolve, her presence adds a younger perspective to the cast. The show has always been good at introducing fresh faces while maintaining its veteran actors.
Fans of the series noticed her right away. Social media lit up with comments about her screen presence and natural delivery. Some viewers pointed out the Gosselaar connection, but many were just impressed by her performance. That’s the best compliment a newcomer can get—being judged on merit rather than pedigree.
Working on a soap opera isn’t easy. The pace is relentless. Actors often shoot 60 to 80 pages of dialogue per day, compared to maybe eight pages on a primetime drama. Mistakes happen, but you keep moving. It’s a crash course in professionalism.
Ava has handled the pressure well. Her castmates have reportedly welcomed her, and she’s integrated smoothly into the production. For someone who’s technically still a teenager, that level of composure is impressive.
The opportunity also gives her visibility. The Bold and the Beautiful airs in over 100 countries and has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. Being part of that legacy, even in a supporting role, opens doors.
Life Beyond the Screen
Outside of acting, Ava maintains an active presence on Instagram and TikTok, where she shares glimpses of her life. Her posts mix behind-the-scenes moments from the show with personal interests, fashion choices, and time spent with friends and family.
She’s not oversharing, though. There’s a clear boundary between what’s public and what’s private. That’s increasingly rare among young celebrities who often document every moment. Ava seems to understand that maintaining some mystery actually helps in the long run.
Her style leans casual and California-cool—think jeans, simple tops, and minimal jewelry. She’s not trying to be a fashion influencer or brand ambassador yet. The focus remains on her work rather than building a lifestyle brand.
She’s also close with her family. Photos with her brothers and parents pop up occasionally, showing a tight-knit dynamic. Her father has publicly supported her career move, posting about her debut and celebrating her milestones. That kind of backing, especially from someone who understands the industry’s ups and downs, is invaluable.
Ava’s relationship with fans is still developing. She engages with comments and seems genuinely appreciative of the support. As her following grows, she’ll need to navigate the balance between accessibility and boundaries. So far, she’s doing fine.
What’s Next for Ava Lorenn Gosselaar?
At 18, Ava’s career is just beginning. Her current role on The Bold and the Beautiful gives her steady work and industry credibility. Whether she stays in daytime television or transitions to other projects depends on the opportunities that come her way.
Soap operas can be a launching pad or a long-term home. Some actors spend decades on the same show, becoming fan favorites and earning steady paychecks. Others use it as a stepping stone to film or a primetime series. Ava hasn’t publicly stated her long-term goals, but she seems open to wherever the work takes her.
The entertainment industry is notoriously unpredictable. Talent matters, but so do timing, luck, and persistence. Ava has the advantage of understanding this reality early. She’s not under any illusion that success is guaranteed just because her last name opens some doors.
Her approach feels refreshingly grounded. She’s working, learning, and building her résumé. There’s no rush to become an overnight sensation. That kind of patience often leads to longer, more sustainable careers.
Fans will keep watching. Industry professionals will take notice. And Ava will keep showing up, doing the work, and proving she belongs. That’s really all any actor can do—especially one who’s just getting started.
For now, Ava Lorenn Gosselaar is a name to remember. Not because of who her father is, but because of who she’s becoming.
