'Tap Dance Kid's Alfonso Ribeiro Named New Host of ABC's AMERICA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS

Broadway actor and "Dancing with the Stars" Season 19 Champion, Alfonso Ribeiro, has been named the new host of ABC's "America's Funniest Home Videos," as announced last night by Tom Bergeron during the season finale of DWTS.

"After receiving hundreds of inquiries, stacks of video submissions and a very close audition race, one smile, one funny and sincere delivery became our standout favorite - Alfonso Riberio," said Vin Di Bona, executive producer. "We look forward to Alfonso leading AFV into the next generation of family friendly viewership."

Starting his acting career at the age of eight, Alfonso landed his first starring role in the Broadway musical The Tap Dance Kid, whereupon he was signed to famed music label Island Records. He became an overnight sensation, enamoring the likes of director Bob Geraldi, choreographer Michael Peters and "The King of Pop" Michael Jackson(who enlisted Alfonso in the infamous Pepsi commercial). After taking time to attend Cal State University, Los Angeles where he earned a Theater Arts education, Alfonso was offered a role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Alfonso played the memorable character of Carlton Banks, opposite his friend, Will Smith. Following six years on the popular series Fresh Prince, he was then approached by Quincy Jones to appear with L.L.Cool J in the NBC/UPN series In the House. Both can still be seen in syndication.

ABC's longest-running primetime entertainment show, "America's Funniest Home Videos," returns for season 26 this fall with the same mission - giving families something genuinely funny to enjoy together on Sunday nights. Along with a new host, the upcoming season will welcome an abundant supply of fresh clips to keep families laughing from coast to coast.

In its 25 seasons to date, "America's Funniest Home Videos" has given away over $14 million in prize money and evaluated more than a million video clips from home viewers. AFV has become an iconic part of American pop culture, as evidenced by its entry into the Smithsonian's permanent entertainment collection. Today, AFV is seen in 193 territories around the world, spreading American humor and clumsiness across the globe! Vin Di Bona is Executive Producer.

Viewers wishing to submit home videos to "America's Funniest Home Videos" should visit www.AFV.com for details.

"America's Funniest Home Videos" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound.

Photo courtesy of ABC