Alfonso Ribeiro has opened up about his close friendship with Will Smith, reminiscing about their time on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the enduring bond they share decades later. During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Ribeiro spoke candidly about his admiration for Smith, calling him the “most talented” and “dedicated” man he knows.
A Friendship Built on Mutual Respect
Ribeiro’s comments came in response to a previous statement made by Smith, who credited his Fresh Prince co-star with significantly influencing his own career. Speaking on VICE’s Black Comedy in America last December, Smith reflected on how watching Ribeiro perform transformed his own approach to acting and comedy.
“When he came in for the audition, there was no question—he’s the one,” Smith said at the time. “Nobody commits as hard as Alf. We call it the ‘comedic limb’—where you go out there, try the joke, and risk it all. One of his big things was committing fully, so the writers would know if a joke worked or not.”
Creating Unforgettable TV Moments
During his conversation with Hudson, Ribeiro expressed his gratitude for Smith’s words, calling them “wonderful” to hear. The two actors formed an iconic duo on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where Ribeiro portrayed the lovable but often snobbish Carlton Banks, cousin to Smith’s charismatic and street-smart character.
“Will is my brother for life. Our friendship and bond have lasted four or five decades now,” Ribeiro shared. “He’s absolutely the best.”
Reflecting on their work together, Ribeiro credited his intense dedication to rehearsals as a key reason why the show was able to create such memorable moments. “I believe that part of what I received on Fresh Prince was because of the hard work I put in. Going 100% in rehearsals allowed the writers to craft better lines for me,” he explained.
A Lasting Legacy
Ribeiro and Smith’s on-screen chemistry turned The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air into one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ‘90s. Running from 1990 to 1996, the show continues to enjoy a lasting impact, with its cultural significance still resonating with audiences today.
The Dancing With the Stars host concluded his remarks by showering praise on his longtime friend. “It’s always wonderful to hear him say such kind words,” Ribeiro said. “I give him his flowers all the time because he truly deserves them. He is the most talented and dedicated guy I know. The love is mutual.”
