Mario Lawalata Biography: Age, Net Worth, Career, Height, Ex-Girlfriend, Parents, Sister, Films

Mario Santo Michael Lawalata, known professionally as Mario Lawalata, is an Indonesian actor, model, television presenter, and former professional basketball player whose career highlights his athletic build and versatile screen presence.

Born into a family of entertainers and raised primarily by his actress mother after his parents’ separation, he followed her footsteps into modeling before branching into sinetron, films, and hosting roles that often emphasize youthful energy and romance.

Profile

• Full Name: Mario Santo Michael Lawalata
• Stage Name: Mario Lawalata
• Born: 3, May 1980
• Age: 45 years old
• Birthplace: Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
• Nationality: Indonesian
• Occupation: Actor, Model, Presenter, Former Basketball Player
• Height: 1.74m
• Parents: Alexander Polii and Reggy Lawalata
• Siblings: Asha Smara Darra
• Spouse: None
• Girlfriends: Marsha Timothy (ex), Sarah Tumiwa (ex)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Mario Santo Michael Lawalata was born on May 3, 1980, in Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia.

His parents, Alexander Polii and Reggy Lawalata, an actress and model, separated when he was young.

He and his sibling, fashion designer Asha Smara Darra, were raised by their mother, who supported them with various jobs.

Details about his formal education are private, but he showed early interest in basketball during his teens.

Of mixed Ambon and Javanese descent, Mario practices Christianity.

Career

Mario Lawalata stepped into the spotlight in the early 2000s by following his mother’s path into modeling for magazines like Aneka, where his striking looks and height quickly landed him commercial gigs and editorials.

He transitioned to acting with his film debut in Indah dalam Praduga (2002), playing a supporting role that introduced him to cinema audiences, but it was his move to sinetron that built his fanbase—starting with Cerita Cinta and Cinta Tanpa Logika, leading to a breakout in Pura-Pura Buta alongside Titi Kamal, where his charm in romantic leads earned widespread recognition.

Balancing this, he pursued basketball professionally in the Kobatama league with Biangbola Aliansi Jakarta, viewing the sport as a core passion that honed his discipline.

By the mid-2000s, Mario expanded into more diverse projects, co-hosting the travel show Koper dan Ransel on Trans TV with Andrea Lee, which showcased his easygoing persona and love for adventure.

Films like Jakarta Undercover (2006) and Mereka Bilang, Saya Monyet! (2007) followed, blending comedy and drama to highlight his range, while he dipped into reality TV with Seleb Dance on antv, partnering with Kinaryosih for dance challenges that tested his athleticism.

Past relationships, including with actress Marsha Timothy, occasionally drew tabloid attention, but Mario stayed focused, even competing in a high-profile boxing match against Raffi Ahmad in 2011.

His commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns added a layer of social advocacy to his early fame.

Mario Lawalata maintains a selective presence in entertainment, blending acting with personal pursuits like travel and fitness shared on social media.

Roles in later works such as Menunggu Pagi (2018) as Martin and the series Duren Jatuh (2025) as Liam reflect his draw in family-oriented dramas, while cameos in films like Skandal (2011) and Milli & Nathan (2011) keep him relevant.

His bond with family, especially supporting Asha Smara Darra’s journey, resonates publicly, and basketball remains a lifelong anchor—he often trains and promotes healthy living.

Through it all, Mario embodies quiet perseverance, influencing younger talents with his blend of grit from humble beginnings and effortless on-screen appeal.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @lawalata13
• Facebook Handle: Mario Lawalata

Personal Life

Mario Santo Michael Lawalata, 45, has never married or had children, choosing to prioritize meaningful connections.

He dated actress Marsha Timothy from 2004 to 2007, ending amicably as their careers grew, and was linked to model Sarah Tumiwa around 2021, though it was not confirmed.

An avid traveler and fitness enthusiast, he enjoys basketball—his “second wife,” as he jokes—and advocates for HIV prevention, living modestly in Jakarta while focusing on self-growth and family privacy.

Filmography

• Indah dalam Praduga (2002)
• Jakarta Undercover (2006)
• Mereka Bilang, Saya Monyet! (2007)
• Setannya Kok Beneran? (2008)
• Skandal (2011)
• Milli & Nathan (2011)
• True Love (2011)
• Menunggu Pagi (2018)

Net Worth

Mario Santo Michael Lawalata carries an estimated net worth of $1 million.

His finances draw from steady acting royalties in sinetron reruns and films, modeling contracts from his early days, and hosting fees like those from Koper dan Ransel, rounded out by occasional endorsements and basketball-related appearances in a career spanning over two decades.