From AFV.com the official site of America’s Funniest Home Videos:
Ribeiro began his career as a child actor, most notably on Broadway, playing the lead role in the Tony-winning musical The Tap Dance Kid. Later Ribeiro was then cast opposite Ricky Schroder in the long-running NBC sitcom Silver Spoons, making him an instant teen idol. After earning a Theater Arts education from Cal State University, he was given the opportunity to choose a role on the established sitcom A Different World or a new pilot called The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Showing an adventurous streak, he chose the latter and created the memorable character of “Carlton Banks” opposite another teen idol, Will Smith, for six seasons.
See the full story on AFV.com: About America’s Funniest Videos: Meet the host Alfonso Ribeiro
