Alfonso Ribeiro

Infobox Actor
name = Alfonso Ribeiro

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imagesize = 250px
caption =
birthname = Alfonso Lincoln Ribeiro
birthdate = birth date and age|1971|09|21
birthplace = New York City, U.S.A.
yearsactive = 1980—present
spouse = Robin Stapler (2002-2006) (divorced)
naacpimageawards = Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
1990 "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"
1995 "In the House"
children = Sienna
awards =

Alfonso Lincoln Ribeiro (born September 21, 1971 in New York) is an American actor, singer and dancer. He is best known for his roles as Carlton Banks on the television sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and Alfonso Spears on the TV series "Silver Spoons". He now hosts the game show Catch 21 on GSN, and now joins GSN Live with Heidi Bohay for the first three hours beginning on September 15, 2008.

Career

Ribeiro began his acting career in the drama "Oye Willie" at the age of eight. By the time he was ten, he had released such songs as: "Dance Baby", "Not Too Young", & "Sneak Away with Me." His first brush with true stardom came in 1983, when he originated the title role of the Broadway musical "The Tap Dance Kid", receiving rave reviews for his performance. He also appeared in one of Michael Jackson's Pepsi television commercials as a dancer in 1984, after which he was the subject of rumors that he broke his neck during the making of one of the commercials. [cite web | url=http://www.snopes.com/horrors/freakish/dancer.asp | title=Last Dance | publisher=Snopes | date=May 30 2006 | accessdate=2007-12-11] The same year, Ribeiro was cast as Rick Schroder's best friend on the TV series "Silver Spoons". He also sang in a commercial for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and promoted his own [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd4C8_FMdjA "Breakin' and Poppin'"] dance instruction package on television.

Ribeiro is best known for his role as spoiled rich-kid Carlton Banks in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" from 1990 to 1996, in which he was mercilessly teased by Will Smith's lead character, often targeting his height. He also was the director of some episodes of "Fresh Prince". The Carlton character was often called upon to do a comic, usually improvised dance routine to Tom Jones's "It's Not Unusual." Ribeiro is in fact a superb dancer; he showed some skills with Will Smith in several episodes of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air", including a tap dance routine in the show's "Soul Train" episode that featured a moonwalk.

He is also known for his role on LL Cool J's show "In the House" and as the host of "Your Big Break". Ribeiro has acted and been part of the crew on many movies and TV shows. In 1997, he performed the voice of Roland Jackson in "Extreme Ghostbusters". He has also appeared in Smith's "" video in 1999 and in a McDonald's commercial in 2003. Ribeiro also appeared in a cameo for the Fergie music video "Glamorous".

Beginning in August 2006, Ribeiro was a contestant on Fox's new reality show "Celebrity Duets" which teamed up entertainers not known for singing with famous singers. Ribeiro promised to do "the Carlton Dance" if he made it to the show's finale. He kept his promise when he became one of the three finalists. On September 29, 2006, Ribeiro was announced as the winner of the show. Lucy Lawless and Hal Sparks finished second and third, respectively. For his victory, Ribeiro's charity of choice, Fresh Start, which provides plastic surgery for children with birth defects, received $100,000. "Alfonso Ribeiro says that he has selected Fresh Start as his charity of choice to receive $100,000." http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/2006/09/celebrity_duets_9.html] Ribeiro also participated in the Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational to benefit cancer research. Ribeiro made it quite clear to the dismay of fans that he does not perform his famed "Carlton Dance" outside of the show.

In 2008, Ribeiro hosted Nick At Nite's crush week of classic television, offering romantic advice and commentary between episodes. He also was a talent scout in NBC's Last Comic Standing's Houston episode which aired May 29, 2008. Most recently Ribeiro was a featured performer aboard the Disney Cruise Line ship M/V Disney Magic during that vessel's TransAmerican Crossing through the Panama Canal.

Ribeiro currently lives in Los Angeles. He is a two-time winner of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race (in 1994 and 1995).Ribeiro directed episodes of former castmate Will Smith's brain child "All of Us" until its cancellation in early 2007.All of Us Director: Alfonso Ribeiro http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0847917/]

Alfonso also appeared in the episode "Food Webs" of Bill Nye the Science Guy as a guest appearance.

He is currently hosting his first game show, GSN's "Catch-21", which premiered July 21, 2008.

Personal life

Ribeiro and actress Robin Stapler met in 1999 while filming the series "In the House". They wed in 2002. Divorce papers were filed August 9, 2006 in Los Angeles Superior Court citing irreconcilable differences. The couple share joint custody of their daughter, Sienna. [ [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1224961,00.html Fresh Prince Star Alfonso Ribeiro Divorcing - Divorced, Alfonso Ribeiro : People.com ] ]

Alfonso's family is from Trinidad & Tobago Although rumor has been that he is of Dominican descent, he has stated in an interview that this is false. Neither he nor his family are from the Dominican Republic; they originate from Trinidad & Tobago.Sidewalks TV Interview http://sidewalkstv.com/webclips/r/alfonsoribeiro.html] Sidewalks TV Interview on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz79aR-w-uA]

Alfonso is also known for his appearance at Synergy in Warrington on June 13th, 2008.

Alfonso was seen at the Arirang Festival in Pyongyang as part of a Gumball 3000 group on August 13th, 2008.

Alfonso is the grandson of the late Roaring Lion noted as one of the greatest calypsonians.

Alfonso is currently dating WWE Diva Tiffany (Taryn Terrell).

References

External links

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