“The Evolution of Alfonso Ribeiro: From Pepsi Commercial to ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Host”

Every time I talk about Alfonso Ribeiro, it is absolutely necessary for me to make a mandatory stop.

I invite you to slowly enjoy this Pepsi ad starring Michael Jackson.

That little boy in a red jacket who dances at a level that has nothing to envy to Michael Jackson It was little Ribeiro, who above all is, and has always been, a dancer.

Born in 1971, He began his training as a dancer at a very early age.. By the time he was cast to star in this ad, in ’84, he was only twelve years old and had already performed on Broadway. During the following years he appeared in a few films, but it was in 1990 that he rose to fame playing the character of Carlton Banks, son of Uncle Phill and Aunt Bibian, brother of Ashley and Hillary (by the way, what happened to Ashley? ) and, of course, the posh and smug cousin of Will Smith who, you know why, we end up taking tremendous affection. Many of us cried like cupcakes and joined Will in the sentiment of the phrase that closed the series after six (only six?) seasons: Damn, how I’m going to miss you, Carlton.

And what a great truth: they have been missed. What has become of Ribeiro since then?

Well, right after it went off the air The prince of Bel Airjoined the sit-com In the house, with rapper LL Cool J, and stayed with it until it was canceled in ’99. He was also a dubbing actor, sporadic in Spiderman and fixed on Ghostbusters, where he voiced Roland Jackson.

During the following years, and saving some occasional participation in films like My date in trouble and short as Sick & Hide, His work has focused on the small screen. He has been jumping from series to series, acting and even directing some chapters as in One on One y All of us. He also participated in the video clip of Wild Wild Westalong with Will Smith and has returned to do some dubbing role, but the truth is that he has not had much activity, although he has continued to appear in the media with relative frequency, perhaps more focused on his personal facet (by the way, he is married and is a father) than in the professional.

As I say, he was not seen too much, until 2014, in which he participated, driving the public crazy, in the 19th season of Dancing with the Stars. And won! He deservedly won with an impressive tango. But I’m not going to show you the tango video, I’m going to show you this other one because we’re here to be nostalgic and I know what you’re waiting for. guess? One’s hair stands on end.

After this triumph, Alfonso considered various job options with ABC, and finally took the reins of the mythical program America’s Funniest home Videoson the air since 1989. Ribeiro is the host since 2015.

But, in addition, his fans have been enjoying him for a couple of seasons in one of his best-known and most beloved stages, which is (again) the dance stage: In the 29th season of Dancing with the Stars model Tyra Banks joined the production as host, and in 2022 it was announced that Ribeiro would join her as co-host in season 31. And just a month ago it was announced that Banks would leave the show, and that the actor would occupy his place as main presenter.

Tags: alfonso ribeiro, the fresh prince of bel-air | Stored In: 2000s, 90s, Series, Television