Let’s not wallow in the fact that it’s been 24 years since A.C. Slater made your pants move on “Saved by the Bell.” Instead, root around in the sexy abs, chest and butt shots that got us all the way to Mario Lopez at 40.

Except that time he pissed us off during the Great Chick-fil-A Man Panties Debate of 2012, Lopez knows where much of his bread is buttered. Gay fans have remained so busy melting in his smile and ogling his abs that we stuck by him during leaner times. For 24 years, the ab-tastic King of Syndicated TV, ass-baring guest star and dimple-licious host with the most manages to be shirtless, pantsless or both when cameras are around.

So happy 40th birthday on Oct. 10, Mario. No more tuning into “Extra” or “X Factor” just to imagine you naked. Alongside four Morning Fix visits with his Atlanta gays, we can just return to this collection of reasons we’ve loved Lopez longtime.

His ability to make us ignore a mullet.

Budding bromances amid poofy '90s hair.

Lots of bromances.

Hawaiian bro-ners.

His willingness to play gay athletes in Speedos.

And letting them touch him while training for it.

Freshman fantasies.

Mario's own underwear line lets us all be in his drawers.

Even some lesbians.

Now serving boating bulges.

And beach beers…

OMG and cake!

We even like him marking Marky Mark’s territory.

Because he gives the warmest workout welcomes.

And knows how to share the vibrator.

Two words: Nip. Tuck.

Thank you, cable TV.

Mario always asks just the right question.

Oh, hell. Just … all of this.

Leg weights out-gear Richard Gere a la American Gigilo.

OK not this. Well, maybe but… 

This! He honors his lost Super Bowl bets.

He also reminds us to wrap it up when going for the gold.

He knows the value of a well-placed hand.

And of dressing for every occasion.

So thanks for running through our dreams all these years, Mario. Happy birthday!