From the streets of Bel-Air to the glittering ballroom of Dancing with the Stars, few entertainers have managed to stay as relevant and beloved as Alfonso Ribeiro. While many child stars fade after their initial burst of fame, Ribeiro has reinvented himself decade after decade. He transitioned from a Broadway prodigy to a sitcom legend, and now, into one of television’s most consistent hosts.
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As we move through 2026, Ribeiro is more than just the man who gave us “The Carlton.” He is the face of ABC’s primetime lineup, a dedicated father, and a savvy industry veteran. Whether you are looking for updates on his role in the expanding Dancing with the Stars universe or curious about his current financial standing, this guide covers the full spectrum of his career.
Quick Bio: Alfonso Ribeiro at a Glance
Before we explore the details of his rise to fame, here is a snapshot of the stats defining Alfonso Ribeiro’s career profile in 2026.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Alfonso Lincoln Ribeiro |
| Birth Date | September 21, 1971 |
| Current Age | 54 (as of late 2025) |
| Place of Birth | The Bronx, New York City |
| Spouse | Angela Unkrich (m. 2012) |
| Key Roles | Carlton Banks (Fresh Prince), Host (AFV, DWTS) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $4 Million |
How did Alfonso Ribeiro start his career?
Long before he was wearing sweater vests in Bel-Air, Ribeiro was a Bronx-born prodigy making waves in the theater world. His career didn’t start on a screen, but on the stage.
The Broadway Breakthrough
Ribeiro began working in show business at the tender age of 8. By the time he was 12, he had landed the lead role in the 1983 Broadway musical The Tap Dance Kid. His performance was electric, earning him a nomination for an Outer Critics Circle Award and putting him on the radar of major casting directors.
The Michael Jackson Connection
In 1984, Ribeiro solidified his status as a pop culture fixture by appearing in one of the most famous commercials of the decade. He played a young dancer alongside Michael Jackson in a Pepsi ad. Dressed in a red leather jacket mimicking the King of Pop, Ribeiro showcased the dance skills that would later become his trademark.
Television Breakthroughs: Silver Spoons and Fresh Prince
Following his commercial success, Ribeiro moved to Los Angeles and quickly found a home on network television.
Silver Spoons (1984–1987)
His first major TV role was as Alfonso Spears on the sitcom Silver Spoons. Playing the best friend to Ricky Schroder’s character, Ricky Stratton, Ribeiro brought a street-smart energy to the show. It was here that he began to hone the comedic timing that would serve him well in the ensuing decades.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–1996)
In 1990, Ribeiro was cast in the role that would define his career: Carlton Banks. Starring opposite Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Ribeiro played the conservative, Tom Jones-loving cousin to Smith’s streetwise character.
The chemistry between Smith and Ribeiro was undeniable. While the show was a vehicle for Will Smith, Ribeiro’s portrayal of Carlton provided the perfect foil. He turned what could have been an unlikable antagonist into a lovable, complex character. The show remains a cultural touchstone, and the cast’s bond has endured, evidenced by their emotional 2020 reunion special.
What is the origin of “The Carlton Dance”?
It is impossible to discuss Alfonso Ribeiro without mentioning “The Carlton.” The dance, usually performed to Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Unusual,” became a phenomenon in the 90s and remains instantly recognizable today.
Ribeiro has revealed that the dance was improvised. The script simply read, “Carlton dances.” To create the move, he drew inspiration from two specific sources:
- Courteney Cox: Her dancing in Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” music video.
- Eddie Murphy: His “white man dance” from his Delirious comedy special.
Ribeiro combined these awkward, stiff movements to create the ultimate expression of uncool enthusiasm.
Did Alfonso Ribeiro have a music career?
Yes. During the height of his teen fame, Ribeiro ventured into music. He released several singles on Prism Records, including:
- “Dance Baby” (1984)
- “Time Bomb” (1986)
- “Not Too Young (To Fall In Love)”
He also authored a dance instruction book in 1985 titled Alfonso’s Breakin’ & Poppin’ Book, capitalizing on the breakdancing craze of the mid-80s.
Reality TV Success: Conquering the Ballroom
After years of acting and hosting game shows like Catch 21, Ribeiro returned to the spotlight in a major way in 2014 by joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Season 19.
The Season 19 Victory
Teaming up with professional dancer Witney Carson, Ribeiro was the clear frontrunner from week one. He became only the fourth celebrity in the show’s history to receive a 9 from every judge in the first week.
His journey on the show was a masterclass in performance. He waited until Week 4 to debut “The Carlton” during a Jazz routine, earning a perfect score. He went on to win the Mirrorball Trophy, a victory that he claims “changed his whole life” and revitalized his career.
Current Roles: The Host with the Most
In 2026, Alfonso Ribeiro became a dominant force in unscripted television. His transition from contestant to host has been seamless.
America’s Funniest Home Videos (AFV)
In 2015, Ribeiro was named the successor to Tom Bergeron on America’s Funniest Home Videos. This role, often called his “forever job,” allows him to showcase his warm, family-friendly persona. As the longest-running primetime entertainment show in ABC history, AFV remains a Sunday night staple under his stewardship.
Dancing with the Stars (2026 Status)
Ribeiro’s journey with DWTS came full circle when he joined Tyra Banks as co-host in Season 31. Following Banks’ departure, he took over as the main host, joined by Julianne Hough.
2026 News Update:
Heading into the 2026 television season, the DWTS franchise is expanding. Reports indicate ABC is eyeing a spinoff titled Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, potentially airing in the summer of 2026. While Robert Irwin is rumored to be in talks to host the spinoff, Ribeiro remains the anchor of the main series, continuing his successful partnership with Julianne Hough.
Alfonso Ribeiro Net Worth 2026
As of 2026, Alfonso Ribeiro’s estimated net worth is $4 Million.
While this figure has remained steady over the last few years, his consistent hosting gigs provide a lucrative, steady income stream. His wealth is derived from multiple sources:
- Hosting Salaries: His dual roles on AFV and DWTS command significant paychecks.
- Syndication Royalties: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air continues to air globally, providing residual income.
- Directing: He has directed episodes for shows like Meet the Browns and Are We There Yet?
- Commercials: His partnership with brands like State Farm Insurance has been a notable recent earner.
Personal Life: Family and Fast Cars
Off-camera, Ribeiro is a dedicated family man and an adrenaline junkie.
Marriage and Children
Ribeiro married Angela Unkrich in October 2012. The couple lives in Los Angeles and they share three children:
- Alfonso Lincoln Ribeiro Jr. (AJ) (born 2013)
- Anders Reyn Ribeiro (born 2015)
- Ava Sue Ribeiro (born 2019)
Ribeiro also has a daughter, Sienna, from his previous marriage to Robin Stapler. He is known for being an active, present father, frequently sharing family moments on social media and discussing his “non-toxic” parenting approach.
The Racing Enthusiast
One fact that often surprises fans is Ribeiro’s talent behind the wheel. He is an avid car racing enthusiast and a highly skilled driver.
- Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race: He is a multiple-time winner of this prestigious event.
- Victories: He won the celebrity category in 1994 and 1995, and took the overall win (beating the professionals) in 2015 and 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Alfonso Ribeiro?
Alfonso Ribeiro stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) tall.
Is Alfonso Ribeiro still hosting AFV in 2026?
Yes, he continues to host America’s Funniest Home Videos, a role he has held since 2015.
Did Alfonso Ribeiro actually sing on his albums?
Yes, he provided the vocals for his singles in the 1980s, including “Dance Baby” and “Time Bomb.”
Who is Alfonso Ribeiro’s wife?
He has been married to Angela Unkrich, a writer and professional golfer, since 2012.
How much did Alfonso Ribeiro win on Dancing with the Stars?
While the exact cash prize for winning isn’t public, contestants are paid on a sliding scale the longer they stay. As a winner, he likely earned the maximum payout (estimated around $300,000+ per season).
Does Alfonso Ribeiro get royalties from Fresh Prince?
Yes, as a main cast member, he receives residuals from the syndication of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Why did Alfonso Ribeiro sue Fortnite?
In 2018, he sued Epic Games for using “The Carlton” dance without permission. He eventually dropped the lawsuit after the U.S. Copyright Office denied him a copyright for the dance moves.
What is Alfonso Ribeiro’s connection to Michael Jackson?
Ribeiro played a “mini-Michael” dancer in a 1984 Pepsi commercial featuring the pop star.
Is Alfonso Ribeiro friends with Will Smith?
Yes, despite rumors to the contrary over the years, the two remain close friends and “brothers,” often celebrating personal milestones together.
What car racing events has Alfonso Ribeiro won?
He is a four-time winner at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro/Celebrity Race, winning twice as a celebrity and twice as a pro/overall winner.
Conclusion
From a tap-dancing child prodigy to a sitcom legend and now a staple of primetime hosting, Alfonso Ribeiro has built a career on versatility and charisma.
As we look at his trajectory in 2026, he shows no signs of slowing down. With a stable net worth, a happy family life, and top-tier hosting gigs on DWTS and AFV, Ribeiro has successfully transitioned from a 90s icon to a modern entertainment powerhouse.
