Ed Alonzo, widely recognized for his role as the magician and diner owner Max on the hit 1990s sitcom "Saved by the Bell," has recently garnered attention for his dramatically changed appearance. The 63-year-old comedian, actor, and magician shared photos on social media that left fans surprised by his unrecognizable look.

Alonzo portrayed Max on "Saved by the Bell" for 21 episodes across the first three seasons, from 1989 to 1992. His character owned Max's Diner, a frequent hangout for the show's main characters at Bayside High School. The series starred Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani Thiessen, Mario Lopez, Elizabeth Berkley, and the late Dustin Diamond, among others.

More recently, Alonzo reprised his role as Max in the short-lived "Saved by the Bell" reboot that aired on Peacock in 2020. Beyond his television work, Alonzo has had a notable career in magic. He notably collaborated with Britney Spears to create illusions for her "The Circus Starring Britney Spears Tour" in 2009. He also worked with other stars such as Katy Perry and David Blaine, and was involved in the staging of Michael Jackson's "This Is It" concert prior to the singer's death in 2009.

His signature role on the NBC sitcom was as Max who also happened to be a magician and owner of Max's Diner where the gang would often hang out after school.

A recent selfie posted in May showed Alonzo in front of Joe's Italian Ice in Anaheim, California. In the photo, his signature eyeglasses were absent, and his hair was tucked under a hat, contributing to his altered appearance. Despite the change, Alonzo continues to perform magic, including shows on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as recently as 2026.

Alonzo's career in the 1980s and 1990s included guest roles on popular shows such as "Head of the Class," "Full House," and "Murphy Brown." He also appeared in "How I Met Your Mother" and "Modern Family." His magic performances have earned him awards, including the Academy of Magical Arts Stage Magician of the Year in 1999 and 2000.

Alonzo still performs to this day as he did his magic show on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as recently as 2026.

Alonzo is married to Bridgette O'Malley Alonzo, and they have one child together, Brogan Alonzo. He has also had a show at Knott's Halloween Haunt, titled "Ed Alonzo's Psycho Circus of Magic and Mayhem."