Alfonso Ribeiro’s Unforgettable Journey with 'Dancing with the Stars'
As one of the beloved cohosts of "Dancing with the Stars," Alfonso Ribeiro is truly living his best life. "I have this incredible chemistry with Julianne Hough," Alfonso exclusively shares with Closer. "We just work so well together, and I’m completely loving every single aspect of what I’m doing right now." Whether it's guiding celebrities through their dance routines or cheering them on during their performances, Alfonso is clearly in his element.
Hosting the hit show is a natural fit for the 52-year-old entertainer, who previously won first place on Season 19 of the series back in 2014. But Alfonso’s journey in showbiz began much earlier. As a child, he made his professional debut on Broadway in "The Tap Dance Kid." Later, his unforgettable Carlton dance from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" became a cultural phenomenon in the '90s. These days, Alfonso juggles hosting duties for "Dancing with the Stars" alongside "America’s Funniest Home Videos" and "Jack Hanna’s Passport" on ABC every Saturday. It’s a packed schedule, but one that he’s clearly savoring.
What Did Young Alfonso Dream Of Becoming?
When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
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“Well, I’ve always been drawn to show business, but I also loved baseball. I was a bit too small to make it to the pros, so that dream faded. Growing up, I would often say I wanted to be a doctor. Funny enough, looking back now, if I hadn’t pursued entertainment, I probably would have made a decent lawyer. I’m a pretty good debater!” Alfonso laughs.
What Was Alfonso's Big Break?
What moment do you consider your big break?
“Without a doubt, it was 'The Tap Dance Kid.' Playing the lead role in a Broadway show was huge for me. And then, I got an even bigger break when I starred in the Pepsi commercial with Michael Jackson in 1984. That was the moment I stepped out of the New York scene and gained worldwide recognition." Alfonso recalls with a smile.
Working with Michael Jackson: A Life-Changing Experience
What was it like working with Michael Jackson on that iconic campaign?
“It was absolutely amazing. I was such a huge fan of his, and we ended up becoming friends. What was fascinating was watching how meticulous he was during rehearsals. I couldn’t figure out why it was taking him so long to learn what seemed like simple choreography. Then it hit me—Michael wasn’t learning the steps; he was perfecting them. Every movement, every gesture, had to be exactly as he envisioned it. That’s when I learned that it’s not about how fast you accomplish something—it’s about doing it right, down to the tiniest detail.”
Memorable Moments from 'Silver Spoons'
Can you share some favorite memories from your time on 'Silver Spoons' with Ricky Schroder?
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“Oh, there are so many! Hanging out with the rest of the cast and having fun off-set was always a blast. Ricky and I were tight for a while. One of the coolest things I did during that time was learning to play racquetball with my on-set tutor. Believe it or not, I actually became pretty competitive at it while juggling my education for 'Silver Spoons.' It was a great balance between work and play.”
Life on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'
What did you enjoy most about your time on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'?
“It was all about the camaraderie with the cast. Before each episode, we’d gather in Will Smith’s dressing room, play music, and just dance around. It was this incredible buildup of energy that set the tone for the show. Those moments of being together and creating that vibe are some of my greatest memories from that series.”
The Carlton Dance: A Double-Edged Sword
Did you have to make sacrifices for your career?
“Playing Carlton on 'Fresh Prince' was both a blessing and a challenge. It was one of the greatest roles I ever had the privilege to play, but it also became a limitation. People struggled to see me in any other light, which stopped me from pursuing other acting opportunities. In a way, it was a sacrifice because it halted my acting career, but I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.”
Would you ever consider returning to acting?
“Right now, I’m having a blast as a host, but I’d definitely consider acting again if the right opportunity came along. It has to be something that resonates deeply with me.”
Proud Moments in Life and Career
What are you most proud of?
“My proudest achievements are my children and my relationship with my wife. I’m proud to be a supportive husband and father. My pride comes from the people in my life, not necessarily from my own accomplishments.”
