Basic Information
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Santino Rafael Lopez |
| Date of Birth | July 8, 2019 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Parents | Mario Lopez (father), Courtney Lopez (mother) |
| Siblings | Gia Francesca Lopez (sister), Dominic “Nico” Luciano Lopez (brother) |
| Notable For | Youngest child in the Lopez family; frequent appearances in family media |
| Interests | Jiu-Jitsu, family outings, playful on-camera moments |
| Residence | California, USA |
| Heritage | Mexican (paternal), Italian (maternal) |
| Public Presence | Appears on family social media and at select premieres |
Early Life and the Story Behind His Name
Santino Rafael Lopez entered the world on July 8, 2019, a summer baby welcomed with joy by a family already comfortable in the spotlight yet rooted in tradition. His parents’ announcement was affectionate and straightforward: a healthy, handsome little boy had arrived, and the Lopez home had one more set of tiny feet.
The name carried extra resonance. “Santino” nods to Santino Corleone from The Godfather, blending pop-culture affection with a classic, strong sound. In a bittersweet coincidence, actor James Caan—who immortalized “Sonny” Corleone—died on Santino’s birthday in 2022, a moment his father publicly acknowledged with tenderness. That reflective thread—honoring stories and family—runs through much of Santino’s early life.
His parents call his conception a “Christmas miracle,” a phrase that feels like a ribbon tied around a family already grateful for two children. He was described in those first months as “the most chilled out baby so far,” a calm presence whose spark would reveal itself with time.
Growing Up Lopez: Family, Faith, and Everyday Joy
Santino’s world is both ordinary and extraordinary. Ordinary in the best way—group hugs, sibling jokes, back-to-school snapshots, weekend tournaments. Extraordinary in the sense that his parents, Mario and Courtney, navigate careers in entertainment while keeping family life the true center stage.
The Lopez household is famously close-knit. Mario’s upbringing—Catholic values, hard work, big family energy—filters into everyday routines, while Courtney’s warmth and organization keep the engine humming. The vibe is affectionate, layered with humor and discipline. “Chores, school, faith, respect”: these are the quiet refrains behind the glossier public moments.
Siblings and Personalities
Every family has its rhythm. In this trio, Gia—the oldest—reads as nurturing and expressive, balancing poise with play. Dominic, nicknamed “Nico,” bursts with kinetic energy and a competitive edge, especially on the Jiu-Jitsu mats. Santino, the caboose, began life mellow but has grown into a vivacious, bright spark, joining the family’s athletic rituals and on-camera mischief with increasing zeal.
Their chemistry pops in little moments: spontaneous kisses on mom’s belly during pregnancy, proud sideline cheers, and matching outfits at premieres. It’s a chorus of support with a comedic streak.
Activities and Early Milestones
Sports, especially grappling arts, are a staple in the Lopez home. By 2024, at just 4–5 years old, Santino was already competing in Jiu-Jitsu and winning—a gold medal that spring made its way into a proud parental post. The sport suits the family ethos: respect, technique, self-control, and fun. It also mirrors the path of his brother, giving the two boys a shared lane to sprint down together.
Outside the dojo, Santino’s “work” is simply childhood: school days, playdates, movie outings, and occasional appearances in family projects or holiday films. At his age, no formal career or finances come into play; he’s a kid first and foremost.
Public Moments: 2024–2025 in Snapshots
While the Lopez family guards its private life, they happily share the small, sparkly stuff—the everyday gems that fans love. Late summer 2024 brought “officially back to school” photos. November 2024 saw the family at the Moana 2 premiere, sons in coordinated looks and smiles wide. In 2025, lighthearted videos and quick posts highlighted Santino’s expanding personality: silly stories, day-in-the-life snippets, and a growing comic awareness that plays well on camera.
No headlines, no scandals—just a steady drumbeat of life’s good beats.
Family Tree at a Glance
| Name | Relation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Lopez | Father | Actor, TV host; known for Saved by the Bell and entertainment hosting |
| Courtney Lopez (née Mazza) | Mother | Actress/producer; married Mario in 2012 |
| Gia Francesca Lopez | Sister | Born 2010; creative, nurturing; early voice acting |
| Dominic “Nico” Luciano Lopez | Brother | Born 2013; athletic, spirited; Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast |
| Elvia (Elvira Soledad Trasviña) Lopez | Paternal Grandmother | Family’s Catholic and cultural anchor |
| Mario Michael Lopez Sr. (Mario Alberto López Pérez) | Paternal Grandfather | Emphasized work ethic and heritage |
| Marissa Lopez | Paternal Aunt | Married to former NFL linebacker Kailee Wong |
Chronological Highlights
| Date | Age | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Late 2018 | — | Parents call his conception a “Christmas miracle” |
| July 8, 2019 | Newborn | Born in Los Angeles; welcomed via family announcements |
| 2019–2020 | Infant | Described as “chilled out,” easygoing temperament |
| 2020 | 1 | Family life adapts during pandemic; close-quarters bonding |
| July 2022 | 3 | Birthday coincides with James Caan’s passing, name tribute noted |
| March 2024 | 4 | Wins gold in Jiu-Jitsu tournament |
| Aug 2024 | 5 | “Back to school” family photos shared |
| Nov 2024 | 5 | Attends Moana 2 premiere with siblings |
| May–July 2025 | 5–6 | Playful, day-in-the-life social videos highlight his personality |
A Childhood in Motion
Santino’s story is a reminder that not every family narrative in Hollywood is written in neon. His parents’ careers add sparkle, but the throughline is warmth, consistency, and the kind of routine that builds strong roots: bedtime prayers, sibling teasing, the proud unveiling of a tournament medal on a kitchen counter. He’s a boy in motion—cartwheeling from calm babyhood into a lively, mischievous six-year-old—learning that strength can be gentle and that the loudest victories sometimes happen in quiet moments.
Culture, Heritage, and Values
The Lopez lineage runs through Tijuana and Sinaloa on Mario’s side and Italian heritage on Courtney’s. Their values—faith, discipline, gratitude—surface in small rituals and larger decisions. Santino grows up hearing two languages, seeing two cultural tapestries, and living in a home that treats tradition as a gift rather than a constraint. Holidays are big, family is bigger, and effort is celebrated.
On-Camera Moments Without the Noise
The family’s social media presence works like a curated scrapbook: school-year thresholds, gym updates, red-carpet snapshots, weekend tournaments, and goofy videos. Santino appears in the mix organically—no hard sell, no pushy branding. Just a boy’s life, lightly framed by the lens of a dad who happens to be a consummate host and a mom who understands the rhythm of a set.
What’s Next for Santino?
At 6, the horizon is simple: school, sports, birthdays, and the next great family outing. Maybe more Jiu-Jitsu medals. Maybe a holiday cameo. Maybe neither, and that’s fine. For now, he’s mastering the basics: kindness, confidence, the fun of matching outfits with his brother, and how to make a room laugh with a single mischievous grin.
FAQ
Who are Santino Rafael Lopez’s parents?
His parents are actor and TV host Mario Lopez and actress/producer Courtney Lopez.
When and where was Santino born?
He was born on July 8, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
Does Santino have siblings?
Yes, he has an older sister, Gia Francesca, and an older brother, Dominic “Nico” Luciano.
Why was he named Santino?
His name honors Santino “Sonny” Corleone from The Godfather, reflecting a family fondness for classic cinema.
What activities does Santino enjoy?
He’s active in Jiu-Jitsu and often joins family events, premieres, and playful on-camera moments.
Has Santino appeared in films or TV?
He occasionally appears in family media; at his age, these are light, informal appearances rather than a formal career.
What were notable moments in 2024–2025?
Highlights include a Jiu-Jitsu gold medal in March 2024, back-to-school posts in August 2024, and attending the Moana 2 premiere in November 2024.
How old is Santino in 2025?
He turns 6 years old on July 8, 2025.
What are the family’s values and background?
The family emphasizes faith, hard work, and closeness, with Mexican and Italian heritage shaping traditions and everyday life.
Is there any controversy around Santino or the family?
No; public coverage around Santino is light, positive, and family-centric.
