Few names link two famous TV worlds the way Lisa Ann Russell does. She started as a model for Revlon, stepped into acting in the early 1990s, and met Mark-Paul Gosselaar on a famous teen sitcom set. Later, she married Survivor host Jeff Probst. Along the way, she raised two kids, Michael and Ava, and built a warm blended family.
She also worked behind the scenes on The Jeff Probst Show. In this guide, you’ll explore her modeling days, her two marriages, her family life, and the reasons her story still draws attention across the United States. Whether you love 90s TV or Survivor, you’ll find every key detail here.
Lisa Ann Russell Biography: Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
| Full Name | Lisa Ann Russell |
| Profession | Former model, actress, and talent coordinator |
| Best Known As | Jeff Probst’s wife and Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s former wife |
| Modeling Brand | Revlon |
| Acting Debut | Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993) |
| First Husband | Mark-Paul Gosselaar (married August 1996) |
| Separation / Divorce | Separated June 2010, divorce ended 2011 |
| Second Husband | Jeff Probst (married December 5, 2011) |
| Wedding Location | Private home in Los Angeles |
| Children | Michael Charles Gosselaar (2004), Ava Lorenn Gosselaar (2006) |
| TV Work | Talent coordinator on The Jeff Probst Show (2012) |
| Family Time Spot | Hawaii |
Your article doesn’t mention her birth date, birthplace, or net worth, so I left those out. If you want a more complete bio table, I can search for verified details and add them.
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Who Is Lisa Ann Russell?
Lisa Ann Russell is a former model and actress. Most people know her as Jeff Probst’s wife. Others know her as Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s ex-wife. She also worked on The Jeff Probst Show. Her story mixes fashion, TV, and family life.
She keeps a quieter profile than her husbands do. Her own screen time stayed small. Yet her family story drew far more interest than any single credit. That is why her name still pops up in searches across the USA.
Lisa Ann Russell’s Modeling and Acting Career
Her career started in modeling. According to, she worked for Revlon. After that, she moved into acting in the early 1990s. It was a natural jump for a face already used to cameras.
Acting never became her full-time path. Her TV parts stayed small. Family soon took the lead in her life. Think of it like a sidecar that grew into the main road.
From Revlon Ads to the TV Screen
In 1993, she appeared in Saved by the Bell: The College Years. The role was minor. The set, however, changed everything for her. It put her in the same room as a rising star.
How Lisa Ann Russell Met Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Fate often works on a TV set. That’s where Lisa Ann Russell met Mark-Paul Gosselaar. He was already famous as Zack Morris. She was a young model turned actress. The two began dating after the show.
Their bond grew fast. By the mid-1990s, they were a real couple. Fans of 90s TV still love this origin story. It feels like a scene from a sitcom.
The Saved by the Bell: The College Years Set
Both worked on Saved by the Bell: The College Years. A small part gave Russell a big life moment. She didn’t chase fame after that. She chose a different path.
Lisa Ann Russell and Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s Marriage and Divorce
The pair married in August 1996. Their marriage lasted almost 14 years. They welcomed Michael Charles Gosselaar in 2004. Ava Lorenn Gosselaar arrived in 2006. During those years, Russell moved deeper into family life.
The couple separated in June 2010. reported the split. A representative said both parents stayed focused on their kids. The divorce ended in 2011. The children stayed close to both parents.
Timeline of the Marriage
| Year | Event |
| 1993 | They meet through The College Years |
| 1996 | Wedding (August) |
| 2004 | Son Michael is born |
| 2006 | Daughter Ava is born |
| 2010 | Separation (June) |
| 2011 | Divorce ends |
How Lisa Ann Russell Met Jeff Probst
Love found her again at a party. Mark Burnett, the creator of Survivor, hosted a Christmas bash. Jeff Probst was there. So was Russell. He noticed her in the crowd. They started dating soon after.
She was already a mom of two. Probst knew that from day one. He didn’t just meet a partner. He met a package deal of love, kids, and chaos. Luckily, he welcomed it.
The Mark Burnett Christmas Party
The party mixed big names and new faces. Probst later described it that way. One chat led to another. A holiday event turned into a life-changing night.
Lisa Ann Russell and Jeff Probst’s 2011 Wedding
Lisa Ann Russell and Jeff Probst married on December 5, 2011. reported a small ceremony at a private home in Los Angeles. It was the second marriage for both. Nothing flashy. Just family and love.
Probst kept hosting Survivor. Russell stayed out of the spotlight. When she did appear in public, it was often at family or work events. That contrast fits them well. One shines on screen. The other prefers the wings.
A Small Ceremony in Los Angeles
A private home set the tone. Guests were few. The mood was warm. For a TV host, that was a refreshing choice.
Lisa Ann Russell’s Children: Michael and Ava Gosselaar
Michael and Ava are the heart of this story. They grew up with a TV star dad and a reality TV host as a stepfather. reported that both kids see Probst as a father figure. Michael began calling him “dad” after the 2011 wedding.
Probst speaks with respect about Mark-Paul Gosselaar. He never tried to replace him. Gosselaar later married Catriona McGinn. So the kids have parents and stepparents on both sides. It’s a team effort. Everyone plays a part.
Jeff Probst as a Father Figure
Probst said he always pictured having a family. Russell’s kids gave him that. He stepped in with care. The children kept their father. They also gained a loving stepdad.
| Family Member | Role |
| Lisa Ann Russell | Mother |
| Mark-Paul Gosselaar | Father |
| Jeff Probst | Stepfather |
| Catriona McGinn | Stepmother |
| Michael and Ava | Children |
Lisa Ann Russell’s Work on The Jeff Probst Show
Russell returned to TV after marrying Probst. reported that she joined the team behind The Jeff Probst Show in 2012. The talk show launched that year. She worked mostly behind the scenes.
She served as a talent coordinator. She also appeared on camera at times. The job gave her a place in the show without making her the star. For a former model, it was a smart, steady fit.
Her Talent Coordinator Role
A talent coordinator keeps guests happy and on schedule. It’s a busy job. It suits someone who knows TV life well. It also let the couple share work and home.
Lisa Ann Russell’s Life With Jeff Probst Today
The couple has been married for well over a decade. PEOPLE’s 2026 profile called their bond close and playful. They love reality TV. They also love family time in Hawaii. Their home feels relaxed and warm.
Life slowed down in 2020. When Survivor shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, the family stayed in Hawaii much longer than planned. Probst later called that stretch one of his best periods. They played tennis. They stayed close to a few friends.
Hawaii During the 2020 Shutdown
Probst gained rare time at home. His usual Survivor schedule is packed. That pause showed how much his life changed after marrying Russell. Home became more than a place to rest.
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Why Lisa Ann Russell’s Story Still Draws Attention
Lisa Ann Russell links two big TV worlds. Her first marriage ties her to Saved by the Bell and Mark-Paul Gosselaar. Her second ties her to Survivor and Jeff Probst. Few people sit at that crossroads.
Her kids carry the story forward. Michael has worked with the assistant directing team on Survivor. Ava has spent time with the art department. Both stay behind the camera. Their mother’s path looks similar. She started in front of cameras, then chose family and quieter work.
A Family Story Over a TV Credit
Her family story matters more than any single role. She raised her kids with care. She built a new home. She kept peace across two households. That’s the clearest shape of her life.
Want more on the family? Read about Michael Charles Gosselaar, the eldest son of Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Lisa Ann Russell.
Conclusion
Lisa Ann Russell has lived a life that mixes fashion, TV, and family. She began as a Revlon model, met Mark-Paul Gosselaar on a set, and later married Jeff Probst in 2011.
Her real story, though, is about love and care. She raised Michael and Ava with kindness, and she built a happy home across two families. That’s why people still care about her journey. It proves that a quiet life can be just as powerful as a famous one.
FAQ’s About Lisa Ann Russell
Who is Lisa Ann Russell?
Lisa Ann Russell is a former model and actress. She is best known as Jeff Probst’s wife and Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s ex-wife.
How did Jeff Probst meet Lisa Ann Russell?
They met at a Christmas party hosted by Survivor creator Mark Burnett. They started dating soon after.
Is Jeff Probst still married to Lisa Ann Russell?
Yes. They married on December 5, 2011, and PEOPLE’s 2026 profile describes them as still happily together.
Does Jeff Probst have any children?
He has no biological children, as far as the article states. He is a stepfather to Michael and Ava, and they see him as a father figure.
Who is Lisa Ann Russell married to?
She is married to Jeff Probst, host of Survivor. Before that, she was married to Mark-Paul Gosselaar from 1996 to 2010.
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