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Mario Lopez just revealed an exciting multi-generational Christmas project coming this holiday season. The Saved by the Bell icon joins Tony Danza in a heartwarming new film debuting on Great American Family, with a surprise twist that makes it extra personal for Lopez’s family.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Movie Title: Christmas at The Starlight, premiering during Great American Christmas later this year
- Stars: Mario Lopez playing Frank’s son, Tony Danza as Frank (father), Dominic Lopez as Frank’s grandson
- Filming Location: Buffalo, New York, beginning in June 2026
- Network: Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix, and GFAM+ app
Mario Lopez Teams with Tony Danza for First On Screen Pairing
For the first time, Mario Lopez and Tony Danza are starring together as father and son. The Everybody Loves Raymond and Who’s the Boss? legend plays Frank, a legendary song and dance performer. Lopez, 52, plays Frank’s son in this multi-generational family film about legacy, traditions, and coming home. The pairing brings extraordinary warmth and generational appeal to this timeless holiday story.
According to Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media, bringing these two together creates rare authenticity and emotional resonance. The film marks a significant collaboration between two entertainment icons who have never worked together in a scripted role.
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Dominic Lopez Joins Family Project as Third Generation
What makes Christmas at The Starlight truly special is the addition of Mario’s 12 year old son, Dominic Lopez. Dominic plays Frank’s grandson, creating an authentic three generation family arc within the storyline. Mario serves as executive producer alongside the film’s direction by Jody Hahn. This family project deepens the emotional impact, as real father and son portray fictional father and grandson on screen.
Dominic has been building his acting resume with appearances in Once Upon A Christmas Wish, Chasing Christmas, and Bad Counselors. His father told PEOPLE that he’s very natural and works really hard. Having Mario executive produce and co star alongside his son elevates this Christmas production into something truly personal and meaningful.
The Starlight Supper Club Story and Themes
Set in a close knit American town, the film centers on The Starlight, a beloved local supper club serving as a longtime community gathering place for generations celebrating music, family, and Christmas traditions. Frank prepares to sell the family’s cherished restaurant lounge after 40 years of operation. The dramatic question drives the narrative forward with emotional stakes.
| Detail | Information |
| Film Title | Christmas at The Starlight |
| Network | Great American Family, Pure Flix, GFAM+ |
| Cast | Tony Danza, Mario Lopez, Dominic Lopez |
| Director | Jody Hahn |
The story explores legacy, faith, family, and the traditions that lead people home. With The Starlight’s future in question, three generations are drawn into an emotional journey. The narrative asks what is truly worth preserving and how community bonds transcend time.
“Working with Tony Danza as my father in this story is incredibly special, and having Dominic play my son makes it even more personal. Christmas at The Starlight is about family, honoring where you come from, and recognizing the traditions and people that shape your life.”
— Mario Lopez, Star and Executive Producer
Buffalo Filming and Production Timeline
Christmas at The Starlight will begin production in June 2026 in Buffalo, New York. This continues Mario Lopez’s established relationship with the Western New York region as a filming location. The production represents another major family entertainment project for Great American Media’s holiday slate. Mark Roberts and Jeff Stearns serve as producers, while Megan Henry Herzlinger and Brian Herzlinger wrote the original screenplay.
Mario has become a fixture of holiday television, starring in Great American Family’s The Christmas Spark in 2025 and executive producing Chasing Christmas, which featured Dominic. His expansion into producing alongside his son demonstrates a shared commitment to quality family entertainment.
Will This Christmas Film Capture Your Heart?
For viewers seeking heartfelt multi generational stories, this film offers something rare in the holiday landscape. The combination of Tony Danza’s legendary charm, Mario Lopez’s star power, and authentic family bonds creates compelling reasons to tune in. Bill Abbott emphasized that Great American Christmas has become one of the most beloved seasonal destinations precisely because audiences trust them to deliver stories filled with heart, hope, and enduring values.
The December premiere timing places this squarely in the heart of holiday season entertainment. Whether you seek nostalgia, family moments, or meaningful storytelling, Christmas at The Starlight promises to deliver the warmth and emotional resonance that defines Great American Family’s mission.
Sources
- Great American Media – Official announcement of Mario Lopez, Tony Danza, and Dominic Lopez joining cast of Christmas at The Starlight
- PEOPLE Magazine – Exclusive interview with Mario Lopez on the personal significance of the multi generational family project
- WIVB News – Filming location details confirming Buffalo production beginning in June 2026
