A multi-talented entertainer, Alfonso Ribeiro has won fervent praise from fans and peers alike throughout his stage, on-screen and directing career. Having appeared as both a contestant on the “Weakest Link” and the host of the popular syndicated series “Your Big Break,” Ribeiro is no stranger to games and game shows. With his exuberant charm and charisma, he will now be seen on two of GSN’s most popular shows beginning Sept. 15, 2008, when he begins new duties as host of GSN LIVE™, joining returning host Heidi Bohay in the first half of GSN’s newly expanded six-hour weekday game show experience. Ribeiro first joined the network on July 21 as host of its latest primetime, card-game franchise, CATCH 21™; executive produced by Emmy® Award winners Merrill Heatter and Scott Sternberg.
Well-known for his comedic portrayal of Will Smith’s uptight cousin, Carlton Banks, in the long-running hit TV series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Alfonso made his acting debut many years before at age eight on the PBS series “Oye Ollie.” A singer, gymnast and professional tap dancer, he later received critical acclaim for his starring performance in the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit “The Tap Dance Kid,” and went on to record several dance/pop singles for Island Records. He gained worldwide exposure alongside Michael Jackson during the performer’s celebrated Pepsi commercial in the early ‘80s. In 1984, Alfonso landed the role of Rick Schroder’s sidekick and best friend on “Silver Spoons.” In the years since, Ribeiro has co-starred in several hit scripted series, including “In the House,” and appeared in reality shows such as “Dancing with the Stars,” “The Singing Bee” and competed and won “Celebrity Duets,” which partnered him with Grammy® award-winning vocalists.
Born in New York to parents who emigrated from Trinidad and Tobago, Ribeiro grew up a fan of game shows. His favorite game show is “The Hollywood Squares” and has tuned in to many others through the years.
While he retains his Bronx heritage, Alfonso currently resides in Los Angeles, California. He attended California State University at Los Angeles and later, the New York Film Academy as well. In his leisure time, he enjoys a number of activities and can regularly be seen golfing on the celebrity players tour. An avid racing professional, Ribeiro drove part-time in the ‘90s, winning the Toyota Grand Prix Pro/Celebrity Race in 1994 and 1995 and finishing third at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the Star Mazda Series. Alfonso is grateful for his multi-faceted career currently hosting for GSN with production projects in development, directing and acting, but his most cherished role is that of being a father in real life.
-GSN ’08 -