Lisa Ann Russell is an American model and actress. Many people also know her because she was married to actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar and later married Survivor host Jeff Probst. Her life shows change, care for family, and quiet hard work. In this article, we look at her early years, her modeling start, her acting roles, and her family life. We also answer common questions at the end.
Personal Information
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Lisa Ann Russell |
| Born | March 21, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Sterling, Illinois, USA |
| First career | Model (worked with Revlon) |
| Acting start | Early 1990s; small roles in TV and film |
| Known for | Saved by the Bell: The College Years (small part), films like A.P.E.X. and Kounterfeit |
| First marriage | Mark-Paul Gosselaar (m. 1996; div. 2011) |
| Children | Michael (b. 2004) and Ava (b. 2006) |
| Current marriage | Jeff Probst (m. December 2011) |
| Lives | Private life; focus on family |
Early life and modeling
Lisa Ann Russell was born on March 21, 1972, in Sterling, Illinois. When she was young, she moved to other places in the Midwest and then to California. In California, she began modeling. Reports say she worked with the beauty brand Revlon. Modeling helped her learn how a set works and how to be in front of a camera. It also opened doors to acting in the early 1990s.
Her modeling years were important. She learned about style, makeup, and lighting. She met people in the entertainment world. This network led to auditions. Soon, she started to get small parts on TV and in films. For someone new, this is a normal path. First you model, then you try acting. Lisa followed this path with calm focus.
Step into acting
Lisa’s acting roles were modest but steady in the 1990s. She had a bit part in Saved by the Bell: The College Years in 1993. This was a follow-up show to the famous teen series. The role was small, but the set would change her life in another way. It is where she met Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played Zack Morris.
She also acted in a few action and thriller films during that decade. Fans may know A.P.E.X. (1994), Twisted Love (1995), and Kounterfeit (1996). These films were not big studio hits, but they gave her screen time and experience. She proved she could do different types of roles from sci-fi to crime.
Even with small roles, acting can be hard work. Days are long. Scenes repeat many times. Lisa learned to be patient and professional. She did not chase headlines. She kept her work simple and honest.
Marriage to Mark-Paul Gosselaar
In the mid-1990s, Lisa and Mark-Paul started dating. They married in August 1996. Over time, they had two children: a son, Michael, in 2004, and a daughter, Ava, in 2006. During this period, Mark-Paul worked on TV shows, while Lisa focused more on home life and their young family.
After many years, the couple decided to separate in 2010. Their divorce became final in 2011. Reports at the time said both parents stayed close to their children and kept things respectful. Celebrity life can be very public, but they tried to protect their kids and keep family first.
Today, people still ask about their co-parenting. Stories about Mark-Paul often mention that Michael and Ava are his older children and that family is important to him. This shows that both parents support the kids’ growth and keep a strong family bond, even after divorce.
A new chapter with Jeff Probst
In December 2011, Lisa married Jeff Probst, the longtime host of the TV show Survivor. The wedding was small and private, held in Los Angeles. Since then, Lisa and Jeff have lived a fairly quiet life, away from heavy press. They value their circle of family and friends.
Jeff has spoken warmly about Lisa and her children. Over the years, he has said that their blended family is full of love and respect. Recent stories also note that Michael and Ava have sometimes helped behind the scenes on Survivor. This shows a family that enjoys working together and learning from one another, while still keeping their private life private.
Work, family, and privacy
Not every public figure wants constant attention. Lisa shows another way. She had a first career in modeling, then tried acting, and then chose to focus on family. Some fans want daily news, but Lisa mostly stays off social media and keeps a low profile. This choice lets her care for the people in her life and pick projects that fit her schedule.
When we look at her story, we see a steady line: work hard, protect your family, stay kind. Her modeling and acting were real achievements. But her biggest role seems to be as a mother, a partner, and a friend. This may be why people still search her name: she is part of two well-known TV families (Saved by the Bell and Survivor), and she carries herself with calm grace.
Film and TV highlights
Here are some titles that fans connect with Lisa Ann Russell:
- Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993) a small role on the TV series where she met Mark-Paul Gosselaar
- A.P.E.X. (1994) a sci-fi action film from the 1990s
- Twisted Love (1995) a thriller/romance title
- Kounterfeit (1996) a crime thriller with a strong 90s feel
These roles are not blockbuster leads, but they add to her career story and show the range of jobs she took. If you like 90s genre films, you might enjoy watching them for that classic style.
What makes her story special?
Lisa Ann Russell’s story is not only about fame. It is about balance. She found early success in modeling and tried acting in different kinds of projects. She then chose a life that puts family first. She has been part of two different Hollywood homes, one with an actor, one with a TV host, and kept a kind, low-key image through it all.
People often admire big stars and loud headlines. But many readers also respect people who build a calm, steady life. Lisa seems to be one of those people. She keeps things simple and real. She respects her past work but does not chase attention. She lets her actions speak for her.
Final thoughts
Lisa Ann Russell’s path from model to actress to devoted parent shows a simple truth: success can look different for each person. She tried new things, valued her family, and chose privacy over noise. Her story is calm, real, and easy to respect. If you enjoy 1990s TV and films, you can watch her screen work. If you follow Survivor, you may see how her family supports Jeff’s long-running show. Either way, Lisa’s life reminds us that grace and steadiness can shine, even without the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) When and where was Lisa Ann Russell born?
She was born on March 21, 1972, in Sterling, Illinois, USA.
2) How did she start her career?
She began as a model in California and worked with Revlon before moving into acting in the early 1990s.
3) What are some of her acting roles?
She had a small role in Saved by the Bell: The College Years and appeared in films like A.P.E.X., Twisted Love, and Kounterfeit.
4) Who was her first husband?
She married actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar in 1996. They later divorced in 2011.
5) Does she have children?
Yes. She has two children with Mark-Paul Gosselaar: Michael (born 2004) and Ava (born 2006).
6) Is she married now?
Yes. She married Survivor host Jeff Probst in December 2011 in Los Angeles.
7) Do her children spend time with Jeff Probst?
Yes. Reports say her children, Michael and Ava, have helped behind the scenes on Survivor, and Jeff speaks of them with love.
8) Is Lisa still acting?
She keeps a low profile and focuses on family life. Her best-known screen work was in the 1990s.
9) Why do people search for her?
She is linked to two famous TV worlds: Saved by the Bell through Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Survivor through Jeff Probst. Her balanced, private life also interests fans.
10) Where can I learn more about her?
Good sources include IMDb for film credits and People magazine for trusted life updates and timelines.
