VIDEO: Broadway's Alfonso Ribeiro Receives Top Score on DWTS Premiere

By: Sep. 16, 2014
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You may know him best as 'Carlton' on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', but did you know talented actor Alfonso Ribeiro began his career on the Great White Way? Below, check out his incredible jive with partner Witney Carson on the Season 19 opener of DANCING WITH THE STARS. The routine, which earned him 9's from all four judges, prompted Len to declare it, "the best dance of the night!"

About Alfonso Ribeiro:

Best known for his role as Carlton Banks on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the actor now enjoys an active career today as a television director, host and voice-over. He made his first big role cast opposite Ricky Schroder in the long-running sitcom Silver Spoons, making him an instant teen idol. His directing credits include television shows Shake It Up, ARE WE THERE YET? The Wannabes,Meet The Browns, Cuts, Eve, One on One, All of Us and MIGHTY MED on Disney XD.

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. In his free time, he plays sports and is a scratch golfer and a professional car racer, having received countless trophies and medals from numerous worldwide competitions.

Photo: Adam Taylor/ABC



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