Early Life and Breakthrough
Alfonso Ribeiro, born on September 21, 1971, in The Bronx, New York, embarked on his journey in show business at the tender age of eight. His initial success came with a significant role in the Broadway production of “The Tap Dance Kid,” earning him a nomination for an Outer Critics Circle Award.
The breakthrough in his career occurred in 1990 when he secured the role of Carlton Banks in the iconic TV series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” The character’s signature dance moves to Tom Jones’s “It’s Not Unusual” became a pop culture phenomenon, catapulting Ribeiro to fame.
Diverse Career Path
Beyond his memorable stint in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Ribeiro continued to diversify his career. He voiced characters on the “Spider-Man” TV series and appeared on “In the House” as Dr. Maxwell Stanton from 1996 to 1999.
In 2014, Ribeiro showcased his dancing prowess by winning “Dancing With the Stars” alongside partner Witney Carson. His success on the dance floor marked him as only the fourth celebrity dancer in the show’s history to receive a 9 from each judge in week one.
Hosting Ventures and Television Appearances
Ribeiro transitioned seamlessly into hosting, becoming the face of Game Show Network’s “GSN Live” in 2008. He continued his hosting journey with “Catch 21” from 2008 to 2011. Since 2015, he has been the charismatic host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”
His television appearances extended to shows like “Things We Do for Love,” “Big Time Rush,” “Shake It Up,” and the game show “Spell-Mageddon” on “ABC Family.” Notably, he also appeared on the British reality TV show “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” in 2013.
Victories and Recognitions
Ribeiro’s talents extend beyond the screen. He won Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1996 for “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and in 1998 for “In the House.” His hosting role on “Catch 21” earned him a 2020 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Game Show Host.
Personal Life and Real Estate Ventures
In his personal life, Ribeiro experienced two marriages, first to Robin Stapler and later to writer Angela Unkrich. They share three children and reside in Los Angeles.
The multi-talented entertainer also made headlines in the real estate realm. In November 2015, he acquired an impressive eight-bedroom, 7,500-square-foot home in Granada Hills, California, for $1.94 million.
Legal Battles and Victories
Not immune to legal battles, Ribeiro filed a lawsuit against Epic Games in December 2018, alleging the unauthorized use of his famous “Carlton Dance” in the game “Fortnite.” Despite the U.S. Copyright Office denying him copyright for the dance, Ribeiro dropped the lawsuit in March 2019.
Recent Ventures and Achievements
Recent endeavors include Ribeiro’s radio show, “The 90s with Alfonso Ribeiro,” launched in July 2019, celebrating ’90s music and culture. In 2020, he starred in State Farm Insurance commercials and hosted “Money Tree,” a UK game show.
Alfonso Ribeiro’s net worth of $4 million is a testament to his multifaceted success in acting, hosting, and dancing. From a young Broadway performer to an enduring TV personality, Ribeiro’s journey reflects versatility, resilience, and an enduring presence in the entertainment industry.