Lopez vs. Lopez: Who is Aarika Lynn Maisak? (dedication explained)

Lopez vs. Lopez season 1 is now on Netflix, and tons of people are streaming the comedy sitcom. In fact, it’s one of the top shows on Netflix as of Nov. 7. As you make your way through the episodes, you might’ve noticed a tribute to a person named Aarika Lynn Maisak. Who is this person? Find out right below.

At the very end of the second episode of the season, a special tribute card with text reading, “In loving memory of Aarika Lynn Maisak 1984-2022” pops up. TV shows usually include in memoriams when someone who was connected to the production of the show or is close to somebody from the show has passed away. In this tribute’s case, the special person was a good friend of one of the lead actresses.

Aarika Lynn Maisak was a licensed therapist. She was Lopez vs. Lopez star Mayan Lopez’s past therapist, who eventually became a close friend. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 38 on Aug. 22, 2022, after a long battle with early onset colon cancer. She is survived by her husband, Mark Maisak, their three kids, and many other family members.

Aarika was born on July 11, 1984, in Sioux City, Iowa. She went on to receive her Masters degree in Professional Counseling at Westminster University in Utah. Additionally, some of her hobbies included traveling, biking, rock climbing, trail running, cross-country skiing, softball, kayaking, hiking, and camping.

In August 2022, Mayan Lopez paid tribute to Aarika on Instagram with a sweet post. She shared several photos of Aarika with a caption stating how they met and how much she loved and adored her.

Here’s the caption via Mayan’s official Instagram below:

"The world is a forever a different place for me now since the passing of my past therapist and friend Aarika Maisak after her long and boldly fought battle with early onset colon cancer. Aarika, you fought so hard and made the most of everyday you lived. It was an incredible thing to witness as hard as it was because you were a hero for all of us. I am honored that a woman as strong and as exceptional as you taught me to be that resilient. You lived a full life regardless of how unfairly short it was. Please get screened for cancers early 🎗I met Aarika when I was 16 years old. I was petrified child with no concept of her own identity and not wanting to live anymore. I am alive and the woman I am today because of the love, guidance, strength and ferocity that Aarika instilled in me. With toughness, empathy, patience and lots of laugher along the way walked beside me through that darkness and gave me tools that I still use daily to my best authentic life. I am part of you legacy and the foundation of who I am has your name on it. I will carry your love and power with me as I live my life as you hoped for me. I hope to help many with sharing my story and being an advocate as you helped me. That is a beautiful thing✨My thoughts, love and prayers for peace go to Aarika’s family, friends but most importantly her three perfect creations Libby, Ellis and Thomas. You have the most incredible Mommy and she lives in you. She is will always be just a thought away.I love you Aarika. Thank you because you can remind us all that incredible people who can help heal are out there. I will be grieving but I’m so grateful. Until we meet again ❤️"

Another cast member who lost someone close to them is Brice Gonzalez. He’s pictured above. Brice plays George Lopez’s grandson in Lopez vs. Lopez. In January 2023, Brice lost his father Randy Gonzalez to an ongoing fight against colon cancer.

The father and son were known as the Enkyboys. They would post funny TikTok videos that would go viral. The official Enkyboys Instagram account shared the sad news on Jan. 26, 2023. Many of Brice’s Lopez vs. Lopez co-stars begin to pay tribute to the young actor’s father on social media, including George and Mayan Lopez.

Rest in peace to Aarika Lynn Maisak and Randy Gonzalez.