Alfonso Ribeiro Talks About Letting His Daughter Forge Her Own Path
Alfonso Ribeiro is no stranger to the Hollywood spotlight, having been a household name for almost forty years. But now, the stage is setting for his eldest daughter, Sienna, who's following in her dad's footsteps. However, the 18-year-old actress isn’t interested in being labeled as "Alfonso Ribeiro’s kid." In an exclusive interview with Closer, Alfonso shares how he's handling this pivotal moment in Sienna’s life. "Sienna definitely has the acting bug. She’s auditioning and working hard," the 49-year-old comedian says, emphasizing that he's been intentionally hands-off while still being supportive. "I’m always checking in, but I’m allowing her to carve out her own path and find her place in what she wants to do," he adds with pride.
Sienna's Journey: Stepping Out of the Shadow
While Sienna has one of the best role models in the business as her father, she’s determined to forge her own identity in the industry. Alfonso understands the challenge she faces. "It’s incredibly tough to be the kid of someone who has already found success, especially when you're trying to do the same thing. People might see anything less than my level of success as a failure, and that’s simply not true," he explains. Despite this, Alfonso believes it's crucial for Sienna to discover her success independently. "I want her to find her own path, but I’ll always be there if she needs guidance," he says warmly. "When she needs help or advice, I’ll be right there, ready to assist her in crossing the finish line."
Preparing for a New Chapter
In a candid conversation with Closer, Alfonso, who recently partnered with Cheez-It Snap’d to enhance lunch experiences for Americans and even offer the chance to win a year's supply and $10,000, reflects on how quickly his eldest daughter is growing up. "She’s heading off to university in a month," he shares with a mix of pride and nostalgia. As Alfonso prepares to send his first child off to college, he reminisces about Sienna’s final year of high school. The Emmy-nominated star mentions that although the pandemic prevented her from enjoying her senior year fully, he's grateful she’ll still get to experience college life. "Her senior year wasn’t what it should’ve been, but I’m really happy she’ll have the university experience. High school is just the beginning; this is the rest of her life," he explains.
Read also:Hoda Kotb Reunites With Ex Joel Schiffman In Heartwarming Family Photos
Family Life Beyond Sienna
Sienna is the eldest of Alfonso's children. He shares her with his ex-wife, Robin Stapler, from their marriage between 2002 and 2007. After their separation, Alfonso found love again and married Angela Unkrich in 2012. Together, they’ve expanded the family, welcoming three more children: 7-year-old Alfonso Jr., 6-year-old Anders, and 2-year-old Ava. Despite the challenges of balancing a bustling family life with a successful career, Alfonso continues to inspire with his dedication to both his family and his craft.
