Saved by the Bell star unrecognisable as ‘sick and twisted’ kidnapper in sinister drama

Saved by the Bell star Mark-Paul Gosseelaar looks unrecognisable as a “grotesque” kidnapper in a dark new drama.

If you were a teen in the 90s you’ll likely remember Mark-Paul for his role as cool kid Zack Morris in the hit sitcom but in his latest TV role the now 49-year-old looks nothing like the Bayside High School teen heartthrob he’s best known for playing. The actor is currently starring in the new NBC series Found, which premiered in October, and plays a kidnapper called Sir who is being held captive by a woman he abducted when she was a child.

Mark-Paul debuted a completely new look for the sinister character, ditching his famous floppy blonde highlighted hair for tousled dark brown locks and a thick greying beard. The 90s star described Sir as a “disgusting, grotesque…a really despicable character” but when asked recently whether he’s the darkest character he’s ever played, he gave a surprising response.

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He told ComicBook: “I think it belongs to Zack Morris.” The actor called his Saved by the Bell character a “master manipulator” who was involved in some “nefarious activities.”

He added: “I think I was bred to play roles like Sir just because I started my career playing one of the most nefarious characters on television.”

But it’s clear he doesn’t think Sir is a good guy either as the actor described him as “sick and twisted” and even revealed the character is partly based on Ted Bundy. Mark-Paul explained Found creator and showrunner Nkechi Carroll advised him to study the infamous serial killer, who kidnapped, murdered and raped dozens of women in the 1970s, in preparation for the role.

“He was very charismatic, he was very disarming, not what you would think as someone who would typically do something like what he did,” he told UPI.

Found follows kidnapping survivor Gabi Mosely as she runs a private firm helping to locate missing persons. But Gabi, played by Shameless star Shanola Hampton, is keeping a secret.

In her basement she is holding her former kidnapper Sir, captive and uses his knowledge as a kidnapper to help solve cases. Mark-Paul revealed that even as when the roles are reversed and he’s the kidnapping victim, Sir has the upper hand.

“I never feel like Sir is not in control, I’ve played it that way,” he explained.

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk