Alfonso Ribeiro

Alfonso Ribeiro was born in New York City on September 21, 1971. His family originated from Trinidad & Tobago. Ribeiro began his career at the age of eight, making his debut on the PBS show “Oye Ollie.” He gained significant early recognition in 1983 for his starring role in the Broadway musical “The Tap Dance Kid,” for which he received positive reviews and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination. The following year, he was featured as a dancer alongside Michael Jackson in one of Pepsi’s prominent commercials. In 1984, he also joined the cast of the television series “Silver Spoons” as Ricky Schroder’s best friend. During this period, Ribeiro ventured into music, releasing several singles such as “Dance Baby,” “Not Too Young (To Fall In Love),” and “Sneak Away With Me.”

Ribeiro’s career trajectory saw a significant turn when he was cast as Carlton Banks in the acclaimed NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which aired from 1990 to 1996. This role cemented his status in popular culture, notably for his signature “Carlton Dance.” After the series concluded, Ribeiro continued to expand his presence in entertainment, both in front of and behind the camera. He starred in the sitcom “In the House” from 1997 to 1999 and subsequently transitioned into directing, overseeing episodes for various television series including “One on One,” “All of Us,” “Meet the Browns,” “Are We There Yet?,” “Shake It Up,” and “K.C. Undercover.” His versatile talents extended to hosting, with roles on game shows like “Catch 21” and “Spell-Mageddon.”

A significant milestone in Ribeiro’s career came in 2014 when he won Season 19 of “Dancing with the Stars” alongside professional partner Witney Carson. This success led to further hosting opportunities, including becoming the host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” in 2015. His continued involvement with “Dancing with the Stars” evolved, as he later became a co-host for Season 31 and then the main host for Season 32 in 2023, partnering with Julianne Hough. Throughout his career, Ribeiro has consistently demonstrated adaptability and a sustained presence in television, encompassing acting, directing, and hosting across various genres.