Alfonso Ribeiro made his mark on entertainment from an early age. From acting and dancing roles in theater productions such as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, to television hosting gigs on popular networks such as FOX News Channel. Starting his professional life at age eight he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of America’s beloved television hosts – becoming well-known thanks to Carlton Banks from that series alone. But who is Alfonso behind the scenes?
How did Alfonso Ribeiro begin his career?
The tap-tap sound of shoes marked the beginning of Alfonso’s journey when he starred in the Broadway production, “The Tap Dance Kid”. This role not only showcased his dancing prowess but also fetched him a nomination for an Outer Critics Circle Award. 1984 was a particularly memorable year for Ribeiro. Not only did he share the screen with pop legend Michael Jackson in a Pepsi commercial, but he also portrayed Rick Schroder’s best friend in the series “Silver Spoons”. His ventures in the mid-80s also include an MTV advertisement for his dance instruction book, “Alfonso’s Breakin’ & Poppin’ Book”, and a rap record titled “Timebomb”.
What made Alfonso Ribeiro a household name?
While Ribeiro’s early projects introduced him to the limelight, it was his portrayal of Carlton Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” that etched his name in entertainment history. The quirky character of Carlton, known for his legendary dance to Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Unusual” – now popularly referred to as “The Carlton” – became a cultural phenomenon, making Alfonso a face recognized in households worldwide.
What other projects has Alfonso Ribeiro been involved in?
Beyond “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, Alfonso’s career took varied paths. From voicing characters in “Spider-Man” and appearing on “In the House” to winning “Celebrity Duets”, his versatility was evident. Hosting became his new arena, with shows like “GSN Live”, “Catch 21”, “Unwrapped 2.0”, and the iconic “America’s Funniest Home Videos” under his belt. Not limited to the US, Ribeiro’s charm reached UK audiences as he hosted “Money Tree” and guest-judged on “Strictly Come Dancing”. His celebration of the ’90s through his radio show, “The 90s with Alfonso Ribeiro”, further showcased his nostalgic connection with the era that made him famous.
How has Alfonso Ribeiro’s personal life been?
Behind the screens, Alfonso’s life has seen its share of highs and lows. His marriage with Robin Stapler, which lasted from 2002 to 2006, blessed him with a daughter. He found love again with writer Angela Unkrich in 2012, with whom he has three children. Controversies touched him in 2018 when he sued Epic Games for featuring a version of his “Carlton Dance” in their game “Fortnite”. However, after the U.S. Copyright Office’s denial, he withdrew the lawsuit in 2019.
Where does Alfonso Ribeiro live?
Alfonso’s real estate ventures mirror his successful career. In 2015, he purchased a luxurious 7,500 square-foot home in Granada Hills for $1.94 million after listing his Toluca Lake residence he owned since 2004 for sale at $1.45 million for sale at a final sale price of $50k over asking.
From a child star on Broadway to becoming a recognized face globally, Alfonso Ribeiro’s journey in the entertainment industry is nothing short of inspirational.
