Alfonso Ribeiro was a fixture as a child TV star in the 1980s and 1990s. His most famous role as spoiled rich kid Carlton Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air brought him accolades and tons of laughs-- mostly AT him not with him.



Not only did he serve as the butt of Fresh Prince star Will Smiths jokes (which often targeted Ribeiros diminuitive height) but his physical mannerisms provided pure comedy of their own-- most notably the infamous "Carlton Dance." The Carlton Dance was a ridiculous yet oddly enchanting dance usually to Tom Jones "Its not Unusual". Since actions speak louder than words check out this compilation. After you dry your tears keep reading for more on Alfonso and his dancing skills...



Alfonso is actually an incredibly talented dancer having started young-- even having a professional dance video he was hawking when he was eight. No were not making this up check out the ad for Breaking and Poppin (and dont miss the fold-out breakboard):

Alfonso even danced with Michael Jackson and was rumored to have broken his neck during the commercial (!)-- obviously untrue but built up his legend nonetheless:



None of Alfonsos many on-screen efforts since have matched his success with Fresh Prince but he will have a fond spot in most of our minds of a lovable self-deprecating guy.



Fun Alfonso Facts



1. Fresh Prince wasnt Alfonsos only childhood show-- he was on Silver Spoons with Rick Schroeder

2. Alfonso was rumored to have broken his neck while taping a commercial with Michael Jackson

3. Alfonso will be hosting a game show on Game Show Networks upcoming original Catch-21 priemering on July 21 2008.

4. As a child he sang in a commercial for the Mormon Church

5. Ribeiro was a contestant on the reality show Celebrity Duets. He promised to do "the Carlton Dance" if he made it to the shows finals and he kept his word when he was named a finalist (and ultimate winner).

6. Alfonso is of Peurto Rican descent

7. Alfonso is 57" (Will Smith is 62")

8. In his personal life he is divorced with one child.