Not only did he serve as the butt of star Will Smith's jokes (which often targeted Ribeiro's diminutive 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' "It's 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, we're not making this up, check out the ad for Breaking and Poppin' (and don't 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 Alfonso's 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.
Alfonso will be hosting his first game show on Game Show Network's upcoming original Catch-21, priemering on July 21, 2008. In his personal life he is divorced with one child.
Bonus: The last Dance of Fresh Prince (Carlton and Will)
Credits:
http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfonso_Ribeiro
Double Bonus for reading this far! The other leading ridiculous dance in TV history-- Elaine Benes' from Seinfeld...
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/television/The_Carlton_Banks_Dance';
Get your questions answered!
How Far Can You Go?
Posted by just4play on Jul 3rd, 2008 at 12:07AM
wow the michael jackson ad! brilliant! great laughs and dancing..thankyou.
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Posted by gigi42 on Jul 24th, 2008 at 11:00AM
Thank-you so much for this.....I also needed a laugh today!!! The videos and remembering Alfonso was fun.
Thanks!
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Posted by aloneat50 on Jul 24th, 2008 at 6:48PM
Fabulous, I caught myself smiling thru the entire viewing, lolll, great.....
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Posted by heressammie on Jul 24th, 2008 at 9:10PM
pretty sweet man!! yeah...we short kids gotta stick togedda!!!
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Posted by MissGuided on Jul 24th, 2008 at 9:44PM
OMG that is too funny!!!
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Posted by codependent on Jul 24th, 2008 at 9:54PM
I had forgotten how funny that was. He is a good dancer, you can tell he really enjoys himself. I am always looking for a laugh. Thanks
codependant on laughs
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Posted by KIK on Jul 24th, 2008 at 9:54PM
I used to watch prince from ....
It was always so funny to watch it. Thanks
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Posted by Aristartle on Jul 24th, 2008 at 11:04PM
This was me and my oldest child's favorite show in the 80s. You can tell that he has rythym even while he's clowning around - he's also a very talented singer. That was fun, thanks! Bravo Alfonso!
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Posted by NebulaNoxx on Jul 25th, 2008 at 1:06AM
I may be mistaken (it's been known to happen), but I think I saw him, when he was young (Maybe 6 yrs. old, younger than his dance video) go step for step, tap for tap with Gregory Hines - who had just made the movie "Tap" with Sammy Davis, Jr.
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Posted by NebulaNoxx on Jul 25th, 2008 at 1:10AM
PS. You have to be good to be able to pretend to be that bad! Love and Kisses.
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Posted by Citysky on Jul 25th, 2008 at 6:54AM
This was so great. Thank you so much. I was wondering how I was going to get through the day but you've given me strength!! I had a good laugh.
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Posted by mimsy2 on Jul 25th, 2008 at 1:00PM
I love the Carlton dance! It's just too funny!! Elaine's dance is okay too, but it's more scary than funny. The people's reactions to it is hilarious though.
Carlton is definately the best funny dancer ever. Also, that Jackson pepsi comercial was cool.
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Posted by shanga on Jul 25th, 2008 at 8:32PM
Count me in a one more person who you've brightened the day for. Thanks!!
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Posted by Warmthoughtsofyou04 on Jul 26th, 2008 at 1:19AM
Dude...I looooove Elaine's "little kicks" dance. That **** cracks me up
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Posted by laughinkatt on Nov 25th, 2008 at 10:50AM
I had a crush on him when I was 14 during the height of the FPOB show.
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Posted by ilovepandas102 on Jan 21st, 2009 at 9:41PM
alfonso ribiero is freaking beastly. huge fan. had no idea about the broken neck rumour, though!
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