During the six years of broadcasting of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, Alfonso Ribeiro catapulted to world fame thanks to his interpretation of the peculiar and endearing Carlton Banks, Will Smith’s spoiled cousin in the iconic 90s series. However, the overwhelming success of his character left him marked for life, becoming both his greatest achievement and his greatest obstacle in the entertainment industry.
Speaking recently to Closer Weekly, Ribeiro admitted that playing Carlton was a “sacrifice” for his acting career. Although the role brought him recognition and established him as one of the most beloved characters on television, he also pigeonholed him in such a way that it was almost impossible for him to detach himself from that image.
“It was one of the best characters I have had the fortune to play. But he was also the character that made me not act again, because people couldn’t see me doing anything else. The sacrifice was not to have a career anymore,” the actor confessed.
Since the end of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ in 1996, Ribeiro’s acting career has been discreet, marked by sporadic appearances in series and films, many of which were overshadowed by the shadow of Carlton Banks. Despite this, the actor assures that he does not regret anything and that he greatly enjoyed the years working on the series with Will Smith and the rest of the cast.
In his quest to reinvent himself in the entertainment industry, Alfonso Ribeiro has found a new path as a presenter. Currently, he is co-host of the hit show ‘Dancing with the Stars’, of which he was the winner in 2014. In addition, he also hosts two other shows on ABC, ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ and ‘Jack Hanna’s Passport’.
Although he has found success as a presenter, Ribeiro does not rule out an eventual return to acting if the right opportunity arises. Meanwhile, the actor is enjoying the happiest moments of his career, nostalgically remembering the days when he shared laughter and dancing with the cast of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’.
