George Lopez’s marriage to Ann Serrano seemed like the kind of Hollywood love story that could endure anything. The two tied the knot in 1993, a year before Lopez’s career really took off. Their relationship was strong, and in 1996, they welcomed their daughter, Mayan, into the world. For years, they lived as a seemingly happy family, raising their child while Lopez became a household name with his sitcom, George Lopez.
Then, in 2004, Lopez was hit with a devastating diagnosis—his kidneys were failing due to a genetic disorder. His doctors told him he would need a transplant. The waiting list for a kidney was long, and time was not on his side. But Ann didn’t hesitate. She got tested, and as fate would have it, she was a perfect match. On April 19, 2005, she donated one of her kidneys to her husband in a procedure performed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Lopez entered the hospital under the alias “Tom Ace” to keep the surgery private, especially to protect their then-nine-year-old daughter, who was unaware of the severity of his condition.
Ann’s selflessness was nothing short of heroic. She came from a family of doctors and understood the risks of surgery, but to her, it was never a question. She was determined to save her husband’s life. Lopez, in turn, was profoundly grateful. He spoke about how much the donation meant to him, saying he owed Ann everything. He even became a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation, raising awareness about the importance of organ donation. He returned to work within a few weeks, and life seemed to go on.
George Lopez’s Ex-Wife, Ann Serrano, Saved His Life With a Kidney Transplant—Then He Cheated, Divorced, and Lost His Family
Despite the gratitude, George Lopez’s personal struggles began to overshadow his married life. He was battling deep-seated personal demons, stemming from his difficult childhood. Raised by a grandmother who was often unkind, Lopez had developed a cynical, hardened outlook on life. Ann had always tried to help him through it, but over the years, Lopez’s drinking and erratic behavior took a toll on their relationship. Rumors began to surface that Lopez was being unfaithful, and in 2010, those rumors were confirmed. Reports revealed that Lopez had been caught in multiple extramarital affairs, including an alleged encounter with a prostitute in San Antonio, Texas.
Ann, who had given him not only years of unwavering support but also one of her own organs, had finally had enough. She filed for divorce in November 2010, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2011, officially ending their 17-year marriage. Public reaction was swift, with many condemning George Lopez for betraying the woman who had saved his life. The media painted him as a heartless husband who had abandoned his wife after she had made the ultimate sacrifice for him.
this is George Lopez
he went on the Jennifer Hudson show
the same guy who took his wife’s kidney and then abandoned her
— 🌸 Digi Gal (@DigitalGal_) February 13, 2025
In a 2011 interview with Piers Morgan, Lopez admitted he deserved much of the backlash he received. He acknowledged that people saw Ann’s donation as the ultimate act of love, making his infidelity even more unforgivable. He expressed regret for his actions, but by then, the damage was done. His marriage was over, and his relationship with his daughter suffered greatly. Mayan, just 15 at the time, struggled with the very public nature of her parents’ divorce. At one point, she and Lopez didn’t speak for nearly three and a half years.
Despite the pain, Ann Serrano and George Lopez maintained a civil relationship for the sake of their daughter. Though their marriage had crumbled, they continued to work together through The Lopez Foundation, their joint philanthropic effort focused on providing educational and health resources to underprivileged communities. Ann, ever the bigger person, never publicly lashed out at Lopez, choosing instead to focus on moving forward.
Years later, time and therapy helped Lopez mend his fractured relationship with Mayan. The two reconciled and, in 2022, even collaborated on the NBC sitcom Lopez vs. Lopez, which was loosely based on their real-life estrangement and eventual reconnection. In the show, Lopez plays a flawed but loving father trying to rebuild his relationship with his daughter, mirroring his real-life struggles. Their reconciliation was a long process, but they found their way back to each other.
As for Lopez and Ann, while their romantic relationship never recovered, they have reached a place of mutual respect. Ann once stated that despite everything, she would never regret donating her kidney. To her, it was an act of love—not just for Lopez, but for their daughter, ensuring that Mayan would have a father in her life. And even though Lopez made mistakes that led to their divorce, he has openly admitted his faults and has worked to be a better father and person in the years since.
Looking back, George Lopez’s story is one of highs and lows, of great love and great loss, of betrayal and redemption. His marriage to Ann Serrano may not have lasted, but her sacrifice will forever be a part of his story. And through it all, despite the pain and heartache, one thing remains clear—Ann’s love, in the form of a kidney, continues to keep Lopez alive.
