Alfonso Ribeiro has been a household name for decades, known for his iconic role as Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. However, his career extends far beyond that, spanning acting, directing, hosting, and even music. With multiple revenue streams and a successful career in television, Alfonso Ribeiro’s net worth reflects his longevity in the entertainment industry. Let’s take a deep dive into his earnings, career milestones, and personal life.
Alfonso Ribeiro’s Net Worth and Salary
As of 2024, Alfonso Ribeiro’s estimated net worth is around $4 million. His wealth has been accumulated through various avenues, including acting, directing, hosting, and endorsements.
His most recognizable role as Carlton Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air earned him substantial paychecks during the 1990s. However, his earnings continued to grow as he ventured into game show hosting and reality television. Since 2015, he has been the host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, a position that provides him with a steady income.
Ribeiro has also directed several television series, including Meet the Browns and Are We There Yet?, adding to his financial portfolio. Over the years, he has been involved in multiple endorsement deals, including a State Farm Insurance commercial series in 2020.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 21, 1971, in The Bronx, New York, Alfonso Ribeiro started his career at just eight years old. His early breakthrough came when he starred in the Broadway production of The Tap Dance Kid, earning a nomination for an Outer Critics Circle Award.
In 1984, Ribeiro appeared in a Pepsi commercial with Michael Jackson, a moment that became legendary. However, a false rumor spread during filming, claiming that he had broken his neck while performing a dance move. Fortunately, that was just a myth, and his career continued to flourish.
That same year, Ribeiro landed a major television role in Silver Spoons as Rick Schroder’s best friend. He was also a talented dancer and even released a dance instruction book called Alfonso’s Breakin’ & Poppin’ Book in 1985. A year later, he tried his hand at music, releasing a rap single called “Timebomb” on Prism Records.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Hollywood Fame
Alfonso Ribeiro’s most iconic role came in 1990 when he was cast as Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Carlton’s nerdy, preppy personality and famous “Carlton Dance” made him one of the most memorable TV characters of all time.
The dance, often performed to Tom Jones’ song “It’s Not Unusual,” became a pop culture phenomenon. Ribeiro starred in the show until 1996, cementing his place in TV history.
Life After The Fresh Prince
Ribeiro didn’t slow down after The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ended. In 1994, he began voicing Randy Robertson and Robbie Robertson in Spider-Man: The Animated Series. From 1996 to 1999, he starred in In the House as Dr. Maxwell Stanton.
His career took an interesting turn in 2006 when he joined the reality show Celebrity Duets. He competed against stars like Lucy Lawless and ultimately won the competition. This victory showcased his versatility as a performer.
In 2008, Ribeiro became a game show host, landing roles on Game Show Network’s GSN Live and Catch 21. He continued hosting the card game show until 2011. His game show career later expanded when he hosted ABC Family’s Spell-Mageddon and the UK reality show Money Tree in 2018.
He also made a memorable surprise appearance on The Graham Norton Show in 2013, where he performed the Carlton Dance alongside Will Smith and Jaden Smith.
Winning Dancing With the Stars
In 2014, Ribeiro joined Dancing with the Stars Season 19, paired with professional dancer Witney Carson. His performance throughout the season impressed both the judges and the audience. He became only the fourth contestant in the show’s history to receive a 9 from each judge in the first week.
After weeks of tough competition, Alfonso Ribeiro won the season, further proving his talent beyond acting and hosting. He later returned as a guest judge on Season 21 in 2015.
Hosting America’s Funniest Home Videos
Since 2015, Ribeiro has been the host of ABC’s America’s Funniest Home Videos (AFV). The long-running show remains one of his most significant sources of income.
In 2020, Ribeiro adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic when AFV’s 31st season was filmed with a virtual audience. His hosting duties have kept him relevant in the entertainment world.
Personal Life and Family
Alfonso Ribeiro’s personal life has had its share of ups and downs. He was first married to Robin Stapler from 2002 to 2006. The couple had a daughter together and currently share joint custody.
In 2012, Ribeiro married Angela Unkrich, a writer. The couple has three children:
- Alfonso Lincoln Ribeiro Jr. (born 2013)
- Anders Reyn Ribeiro (born 2015)
- Ava Sue Ribeiro (born 2019)
The family currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
Lawsuit Against Epic Games
In 2018, Ribeiro filed a lawsuit against Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. The lawsuit claimed that the company copied his iconic Carlton Dance without permission and sold it as an in-game emote.
However, the U.S. Copyright Office denied Ribeiro’s request to copyright the dance, stating that choreography under copyright law must be more complex. As a result, he dropped the lawsuit in March 2019.
Alfonso Ribeiro’s Real Estate Investments
Ribeiro has also made smart real estate investments over the years. In 2015, he purchased an eight-bedroom, 7,500-square-foot home in Granada Hills, California, for $1.94 million.
Around the same time, he sold his Toluca Lake home for $1.5 million, making a profit from his 2004 purchase price of $729,000.
Conclusion
Alfonso Ribeiro’s career is a testament to his versatility and resilience in Hollywood. From child actor to TV star, director, and game show host, he has remained a beloved figure in entertainment.
With a net worth of $4 million, a successful hosting career, and multiple ventures, Ribeiro continues to thrive. Whether through his Carlton Dance legacy, game show hosting, or acting, his impact on pop culture is undeniable.
