Mateo Lopes Guzman is the six-year-old son of actor Ryan Guzman and Brazilian actress Chrysti Ane, born January 24, 2019. Named after a child from Ryan’s mother’s daycare, Mateo grew up largely shielded from the spotlight despite his parents’ Hollywood careers.
When celebrity parents welcome a child, the world watches. Mateo Lopes Guzman arrived on January 24, 2019, becoming one of the first celebrity babies that year. His father, Ryan Guzman, stars as firefighter Eddie Diaz on ABC’s hit series 9-1-1. His mother, Chrysti Ane, gained recognition as the Pink Ranger in Power Rangers Ninja Steel.
Unlike many celebrity children who grow up in constant camera flashes, Mateo’s parents chose a different path. They created boundaries that allow him to experience childhood away from public scrutiny.
This article explores Mateo’s birth story, the meaning behind his name, his family dynamics, and how his parents navigate raising children in Hollywood while protecting their privacy. You’ll learn about his early health scare, his relationship with his younger sister, and what life looks like for this young boy today.
The Story Behind the Name
Ryan Guzman explained that his mother ran a daycare for most of his life, and one of the children she cared for was named Mateo. That child left a lasting impression on the future actor.
“He was one of the sweetest kids,” Ryan shared in interviews. As soon as he discovered he was having a son, he pictured that little kid from his childhood. The name choice reflects something deeper than following celebrity naming trends. It honors a genuine connection from Ryan’s past.
The middle name “Lopes” carries equal significance. While less discussed publicly, it represents the family’s Brazilian heritage through Chrysti Ane, creating a bridge between both sides of Mateo’s cultural identity.
This thoughtful naming process shows how Ryan and Chrysti approached parenthood from the start. They wanted meaning over flash, substance over trend.
Birth and Early Days
Mateo was born weighing 6.5 pounds and measuring 19 inches long. Ryan’s brother, Stevie Guzman, announced the birth on Instagram with emotional posts that captured the family’s joy.
“When I saw you I had tears of pure happiness and knew my life just got better,” Stevie wrote. He promised to be the best uncle Mateo could dream of, though he joked that Mateo had stolen the throne of cutest Guzman alive.
The pregnancy itself had been announced months earlier as an “unexpected surprise” that turned 2018 into Ryan’s best year yet. The couple shared their gender reveal through a video where Ryan punched a boxing glove worn by Chrysti, releasing blue powder.
People magazine and other entertainment outlets covered the birth announcement. The timing positioned Mateo as one of the first celebrity babies of 2019, automatically placing him in year-end roundups that entertainment publications regularly feature.
A Frightening Health Scare
In February 2020, when Mateo was just 12 months old, the family faced every parent’s nightmare. Ryan came home from work to find his fiancée rushing to Mateo’s room after discovering he could barely breathe. The baby was wheezing and coughing.
Ryan immediately called 911. The operator kept both parents calm during those terrifying moments. EMTs from Station 102 arrived quickly, and Mateo was rushed to the emergency room.
The actor later posted on Instagram thanking everyone who helped. He acknowledged the incredible EMTs, the calm 911 operator, and the ER staff who cared for his son. The experience reminded him to appreciate every moment.
“On little sleep, but nonetheless I woke up thankful today,” Ryan wrote afterward. He challenged followers to take a few minutes to appreciate something in their lives, whether small daily occurrences or important people they might take for granted.
The health scare showed the reality behind the glamorous facade. Celebrity parents face the same fears and challenges as everyone else when their children are in danger.
Family Life and Siblings
Mateo became a big brother when his sister Genevieve “Gigi” Valentina Guzman was born on January 7, 2021. Unlike Mateo’s pregnancy, Chrysti and Ryan kept Genevieve’s pregnancy private throughout the entire nine months.
“I’ve been pregnant for basically this entire quarantine,” Chrysti revealed on Instagram after the birth. “Ry and I decided to be a little selfish this time around and keep this journey between us. I’m so happy we did that. It was so special.”
Now six years old, Mateo shares a close bond with his four-year-old sister. The siblings appear occasionally in their parents’ social media posts, though these moments remain carefully curated and infrequent.
Ryan has spoken about how playing a father on 9-1-1 before becoming one in real life affected him. “I was almost tearing up every take,” he admitted. Working with Gavin McHugh, who plays his on-screen son Christopher, prepared him for real fatherhood in unexpected ways.
Ryan recently shared that he understands how much pressure a person of mixed race can feel. He wants to ensure his children don’t feel they have to “do a certain thing” to connect with their Mexican-American and Brazilian heritage. The cultural identity comes naturally, he believes, without forced traditions or expectations.
The Privacy Decision
Coverage of Mateo remained remarkably limited compared to other celebrity children. After the initial birth announcement and a nursery reveal feature, media attention virtually disappeared. This wasn’t accidental.
Ryan and Chrysti established clear boundaries about public exposure from the beginning. They don’t regularly share photos of their children’s milestones on social media. No verified reports exist of Mateo attending public events or walking red carpets with his parents.
This approach contrasts sharply with other celebrity families who build their children’s public profiles from birth. Some parents share daily updates, collaborate on brand partnerships featuring their kids, or bring children to industry events regularly.
The Guzman-Ane strategy requires consistent effort. It means coordinating with representatives, declining certain media opportunities, and working with outlets willing to respect established boundaries. Success shows in the results—Mateo enjoys privacy that allows normal development without constant scrutiny.
Entertainment media outlets that typically follow celebrity children found little material to work with. The limited coverage creates an interesting dynamic where public curiosity exists but remains largely unsatisfied.
Parents’ Careers and Relationship
Ryan Guzman built his reputation through diverse roles. He started in dance films like Step Up Revolution before transitioning to dramatic work. He’s known for his lead role as Noah Sandborn in The Boy Next Door opposite Jennifer Lopez and as firefighter Eddie Diaz on 9-1-1.
Before acting, Ryan was a mixed martial arts fighter and print model. He earned his black belt in Taekwondo at age ten and played baseball until a shoulder injury ended that path. His journey to Hollywood was unconventional, starting with modeling for brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Reebok.
Chrysti Ane brought her own entertainment credentials to the relationship. The Brazilian actress gained recognition for her work in television, particularly as the Pink Ranger in Power Rangers Ninja Steel. She approaches motherhood with candor, sharing experiences and challenges with followers.
The couple met in 2017 and got engaged in September 2018 during a rooftop proposal—the same location as their first date. In May 2023, after five years together, Ryan and Chrysti split. They unfollowed each other on Instagram and deleted most photos together.
A source close to the pair confirmed they had tried to make the relationship work but ultimately reached an impasse. “There was no one else involved but Ryan had hit a wall in trying to fix what was broken,” the source explained. They committed to co-parenting their children amicably.
Life Today
At six years old, Mateo is starting elementary school. His parents keep details about his education private, though they’ve expressed commitment to providing broad learning experiences that encourage curiosity and creativity.
Ryan recently discussed raising his two children, now aged six and four. He finds the experience “pretty amazing” despite the challenges of co-parenting after separation. Both parents appear committed to maintaining stability for Mateo and Genevieve.
Ryan continues starring in 9-1-1, which moved from Fox to ABC and became the number one drama in prime time for adults 18-29. The show’s success means demanding filming schedules, but Ryan balances work with active fatherhood.
The family primarily resides in Los Angeles, where both parents can pursue their careers while maintaining access to quality schools and resources for the children. Despite the separation, both Ryan and Chrysti appear focused on creating the best environment for their kids.
Comparing Celebrity Children’s Privacy
| Approach | Examples | Mateo’s Family |
|---|---|---|
| High exposure | Regular social media posts, brand partnerships, public events | Not followed |
| Moderate exposure | Occasional posts, selective events, controlled media access | Somewhat followed |
| Maximum privacy | Rare or no photos, no public appearances, strict boundaries | Primary approach |
Mateo’s upbringing reflects a broader conversation about children’s rights to privacy and normal development. Child psychologists increasingly emphasize the importance of allowing celebrity children to grow up without constant public pressure.
Some studies suggest that excessive media exposure during early childhood can affect development. Children who grow up in the spotlight may struggle with identity formation, privacy expectations, and normal peer relationships.
The Guzman-Ane approach prioritizes Mateo’s wellbeing over public engagement. While fans might want more glimpses into his life, his parents recognize their responsibility to protect his childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Mateo Lopes Guzman’s parents?
His father is Ryan Guzman from 9-1-1 and his mother is Brazilian actress Chrysti Ane. They dated for five years before separating in 2023.
Why was he named Mateo Lopes?
Ryan named him after a sweet child his mother cared for at her daycare. The name holds deep personal meaning from Ryan’s childhood.
Does Mateo have siblings?
Yes, he has a younger sister named Genevieve “Gigi” Valentina Guzman, born in January 2021. They share a close sibling bond.
How old is Mateo Lopes Guzman now?
Born January 24, 2019, Mateo is currently six years old and in elementary school, though exact details remain private.
Do his parents share photos of him?
Rarely. Ryan and Chrysti maintain strict privacy boundaries, sharing only occasional glimpses rather than regular updates about their children.
The Bigger Picture
Mateo Lopes Guzman’s story fits within larger cultural conversations. How much privacy do celebrity children deserve? What responsibility do parents have to shield kids from public scrutiny? When does public interest cross into intrusion?
These questions lack easy answers. Some argue that children of public figures inevitably attract attention. Others believe that children deserve protection regardless of their parents’ careers.
Ryan and Chrysti made their choice clear. They value Mateo’s normal childhood over satisfying public curiosity. They recognize that he didn’t choose this life and deserves the chance to grow up without constant cameras and commentary.
As Mateo grows older, he’ll eventually make his own choices about public life. He might embrace the spotlight like some celebrity children or maintain the privacy his parents established. Either way, his parents are giving him the foundation to decide for himself.
The family’s approach demonstrates that celebrity parents can successfully balance public careers with private family lives. It requires intention, consistency, and sometimes disappointing fans who want more access. But for Mateo, that trade-off seems worth making.
His childhood unfolds away from headlines and paparazzi. He gets to be six years old without the world watching. In an era of constant surveillance and social media oversharing, that’s becoming increasingly rare and perhaps increasingly valuable.
