Exclusive: Mario Lopez Reveals Top Red Carpet Tips for Interviewing Hollywood A-Listers like Ben Affleck

Mario Lopez's expertise in conducting red carpet interviews has been honed to perfection over the years, however, not every encounter with A-list celebrities goes according to plan.

In an exclusive cover story by We Magazine, Lopez, 49, opened up about his major mistakes and unforgettable experiences, admitting that it's been quite some time since he last felt starstruck on the red carpet. "After interviewing [celebrities] numerous times, we've become friends and I feel comfortable around them," he shared.

However, Lopez found it challenging to remain composed when he met legends such as Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. "These individuals were incredibly charismatic," he gushed. "Encountering all the people you idolized as a child brings back that same sense of excitement. Now, I have established friendships with them."

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Despite confidently claiming that he is always well-prepared for his interviews, Lopez admitted that there was one occasion where he found himself in the opposite situation. Recalling the unforgettable moment when he had to interview Ben Affleck for a movie, Lopez revealed that he was initially hesitant because he was unprepared. However, he had no choice but to proceed as there was no one else available to do it. Feeling anxious, Lopez came armed with written questions, but the seasoned actor, Affleck, quickly saw through his lack of knowledge. Reflecting on the experience, Lopez humorously shared that he learned his lesson and vowed never to try and fake it again.

Affleck handled the flub with grace, according to Lopez. She acknowledged that he was aware of the mistake, which made her feel uncomfortable and awkward in the moment, as she shared with Us.

Throughout his extensive experience hosting various shows, such as Extra and Access Hollywood, Lopez has become a regular presence during awards season. She especially enjoys attending the Golden Globes, considering it her favorite red carpet event. As the first award show of the season, the atmosphere is always lively and upbeat, blending both the television and film industries while ensuring a generous flow of drinks.

During one particular year, the consumption of drinks spiraled out of control. Lopez made the reckless decision to bring tequila to the carpet, resulting in utter chaos.

"I attempted to partake in shots with everyone, but it took a turn for the worse. I ended up downing an astonishing number of shots, around 20 or so, and it had disastrous consequences," Lopez reminisced. "To make matters worse, my excessive drinking made the headlines of The New York Post or some other publication, stating that 'Mario Lopez indulged in double-digit shots.' They even kept a tally. It was absolute madness. The repercussions hit me hard the following day."

Not only was the Saved by the Bell alum having fun, but his interviews that night were a bit more relaxed than usual. "I'll always remember, by the time I interviewed Reese Witherspoon, I was already a little slurry," he playfully admitted. "But she was really nice. ... She was really cool with me, but everyone was thinking, 'Oh damn, I better not have any more shots.'"

Lopez, who has three children with his wife Courtney Mazza, has no intention of slowing down in his career as he approaches his milestone 50th birthday this month — and he has ambitious goals for his future endeavors.

"I want to continue my current endeavors and enhance the production aspect to generate more content, crafting a greater number of narratives and showcasing stories about individuals from my cultural background," he explained. "Simultaneously, I aspire to provide for my family and friends, fostering our collective success and prosperity."

To delve further into Lopez's professional journey, personal life, and additional details, grab a copy of the latest edition of We, available at newsstands.

With reporting by Andrea Simpson

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Ben Affleck

Mario Lopez