Super star Alfonso Ribeiro who was born to Trinidad and Tobago parents wowed millions of fans when he danced his way to the mirror ball trophy on the 19th season of the ABC TV hit show, Dancing with the Stars.
Ribeiro, a former child star, and outstanding lead of one of the longest running Broadway shows – “The Tap Dance Kid,” received loud applause and standing ovations from the moment he began his performance on the show.
Even though the fleet-footed dancer suffered back spasms leading up the finals, he tangoed, tapped and waltzed his way into the hearts of fans, as his wife and son applauded him weekly from their seats in the ABC Hollywood Theater.
Viewer votes combined with scores from the judges put the exciting performer and his dance partner Whitney Carson in the lead week after week, making the Bronx born actor the top dancer, and ultimately the winner of the competition.
After being named champion, the actor who has been on the sitcom Silver Spoons, and hosted the show Catch 21, said “I’ve wanted it forever, oh my gosh. I don’t even know what to say. These are happy tears.”
Parents, Michael and Joy expressed how proud they were of the former host of the ABC Family show Spell-Madden from a video clip, and called 43 year-old Ribeira a perfectionist who works very hard at everything he does.
The star-studded finale of DWS included performances by Jennifer Hudson and Nick Jonas, both gave Ribeira an opportunity to return to the spotlight. He will join the Dancing With The Stars cast when the national tour kicks off on December 27 in Niagara Falls.
The group will perform at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on June 15, 2015.
