For six unforgettable seasons, Alfonso Ribeiro captivated audiences as the quirky cousin Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. From his signature dance moves to his comedic timing, Alfonso became a household name. But as the curtain fell on the show in 1996, his career took an unexpected turn, leading to new challenges and opportunities.
Alfonso Ribeiro Reflects on Making Career Sacrifices
Alfonso first stepped into the spotlight in 1990 when he joined the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, bringing his unforgettable dance moves to Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Unusual.” Alongside Will Smith, James Avery, and Karyn Parsons, he helped create a sitcom that resonated with millions. But after the show ended, Alfonso found himself at a crossroads. While his portrayal of Carlton Banks was a career highlight, it also cast a shadow over his aspirations to explore other roles.
Following The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Alfonso transitioned into voiceover work and starred as Dr. Maxwell “Max” Stanton in the series In the House from 1995 to 1999. However, in a candid interview with Closer in May 2024, he opened up about the sacrifices his iconic role demanded. “Playing Carlton on Fresh Prince was both the greatest and worst thing that ever happened to me,” he admitted. “It was one of the most rewarding roles I’ve ever had, but it also limited me because people couldn’t see me as anything else. That was a tough pill to swallow.”
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Despite the challenges, Alfonso cherishes the memories he made during his time on the show. “What stood out the most was the camaraderie among the cast,” he reminisced. “We’d gather in Will Smith’s dressing room before every episode, playing music, dancing, and building that energy together. Those moments of connection and laughter are what I’ll always treasure.”
Is Alfonso Ribeiro Returning to Acting?
Alfonso’s career took a new direction when he won season 19 of Dancing With the Stars in 2014, partnering with pro dancer Witney Carson. The following year, he stepped into the hosting world, succeeding Tom Bergeron as the host of America’s Funniest Home Videos. In 2022, he cohosted season 31 of Dancing With the Stars alongside Tyra Banks and returned the next season with Julianne Hough.
While Alfonso has found success as a host, fans have often wondered if he’ll return to acting. “Hosting is something I truly enjoy, and it’s been a great journey,” he told Closer. “But if the right opportunity came along, I’d definitely consider acting again. It’s all about finding the perfect fit.”
Family Life Beyond the Spotlight
Outside of his professional life, Alfonso is a proud father to four children. He shares his eldest daughter, Sienna, with his ex-wife, Robin Stapler, and has three more children—Alfonso Jr., Anders, and Ava—with his current wife, Angela Unkrich. Sienna, who has shown interest in acting, is pursuing her dreams with her father’s full support.
“Sienna has that passion for acting, and she’s been auditioning and working hard,” Alfonso revealed in a July 2021 interview with Closer. “I’m letting her find her own path, but I’m always there to guide her. It’s exciting to see her embrace her talents and explore what she loves.”
