Across television’s storied history, iconic sitcom pairs such as Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson from “Sanford and Son” and Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams of “Laverne & Shirley” have made lasting impressions. The dynamic duo from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Will Smith and Alfonso Ribeiro, also deserve recognition for their significant contributions. Notably, this was Smith’s first substantial acting role, where he honed his abilities on the job. Recently, Smith shared that he learned a great deal from Ribeiro, and I, as a fan, am particularly grateful that he absorbed one particular piece of wisdom.
Will Smith often fondly recalls his time on one of the most popular Black sitcoms from the ’90s, and he did so once more when he was on the Drink Champs podcast (which can be found on YouTube). During the conversation, Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton Banks, was mentioned. In this context, Smith praised his fellow actor and long-term friend for his dedication. He also shared stories about how Ribeiro collaborated closely with the writers of The Fresh Prince.
Alfonso is an incredibly dedicated and hilarious actor I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. He’s got a level of commitment that few can match… It was during my time on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air set where I truly mastered comedic acting, and what makes Alfonso stand out is his unwavering dedication. Even if he doesn’t enjoy something, he throws himself into it fully, giving it his all. His philosophy was that if a joke falls flat and you don’t give it your best shot, the writers might assume it didn’t work because you intentionally tanked it.
The actor’s method, which involves giving his best regardless of the humor quality, allowed him to provide valuable feedback to the writers about what was effective or not. It’s intriguing to consider how many of the hilarious jokes associated with the character might have been shaped by the actor’s dedication. Even beyond the iconic “Carlton dance,” Will Smith praised his co-star’s performance extensively.
Whenever Alfonso leaves, you can sense both the intensity and enjoyment in his dedication. It’s amusing, as he puts such effort into even a simple joke. Indeed, he is a one-of-a-kind character.
To this day, Alfonso Ribeiro’s portrayal of Carlton on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” continues to be fondly remembered and appreciated by fans. It seems almost impossible to envision him not getting the part originally, despite his dislike for his audition attire that he felt didn’t align with Carlton’s character. Among all the memorable scenes from his time on the show, Ribeiro now admits that his favorite moment is from the Season 5 episode “Will’s Misery.” In this final scene of the episode, Ribeiro made an impromptu decision to dash around the set, a spontaneous act that has remained one of his favorites.
On Max, immerse yourself in the world of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and other beloved sitcom classics for just $9.99 per month with their Ads plan. Choose from three tiers or opt for an annual prepayment, saving up to 20%. Check it out here! Deal Available.
Initially, it wasn’t a walk in the park for the child actor to portray the preppy character Carlton. His character, which arguably gained too much popularity, made him closely associated with Banks. This association led to him developing resentment towards Carlton, particularly during his post-“Fresh Prince” career struggles. Fortunately, Tom Bergeron aided him in reviving his career, and he currently hosts “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and “Dancing with the Stars.
It appears Alfonso Ribeiro has come to terms with his role as Carlton, which I’m pleased about since he and Will Smith created a lot of laughs together. I’m happy that Ribeiro’s commitment to acting influenced Smith in such a way, as I believe the show wouldn’t have been as successful without it. You can watch all six seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the 2020 reunion special using a Max subscription.
Read More
- Jellyrolls Exits Disney’s Boardwalk: Another Icon Bites the Dust?
- Carmen Baldwin: My Parents? Just Folks in Z and Y
- Lisa Rinna’s RHOBH Return: What She Really Said About Coming Back
- Jelly Roll’s 120-Lb. Weight Loss Leads to Unexpected Body Changes
- OM PREDICTION. OM cryptocurrency
- 1923 Sets Up MASSIVE Yellowstone Crossover
- Moo Deng’s Adorable Encounter with White Lotus Stars Will Melt Your Heart!
- Beyond Paradise Season 3 Release Date Revealed – Fans Can’t Wait!
- Paige DeSorbo’s Sassy Message: A Clear Shade at Craig Conover?
- Discover How Brittany Mahomes Fuels Patrick’s Super Bowl Spirit!
2025-04-20 02:07