Alfonso Ribeiro and Angela Unkrich: Navigating the Challenges of Raising a Biracial Family

Alfonso Ribeiro, the beloved co-host of Dancing With the Stars and star of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has spent thirteen years building a life with his wife, Angela Unkrich. Their journey, from the tentative early days to becoming the proud parents of three children—Alfonso Jr., Anders, and Ava—has been one of love, sacrifice, and mutual growth. Unkrich is also a stepmother to Ribeiro’s adult daughter, Sienna, from a previous relationship. Together, they form a vibrant interracial family, a dynamic that brings both joy and unique challenges. Reflecting on their marriage, Ribeiro has often shared heartfelt sentiments, like his 2022 anniversary post on Instagram, where he wrote, “You, me, and the kids… the best is yet to come.” Yet, behind the public adoration lies a story of resilience, as the couple faced a profound challenge in raising their biracial children in a world that can be unforgiving.

The Ribeiros’ interracial family is a beautiful tapestry of cultures, but it hasn’t been without its trials. One of the most significant hurdles they’ve encountered is navigating the complexities of raising biracial children in the public eye. As a Black man married to a white woman, Ribeiro and Unkrich have had to address questions of identity, belonging, and societal perceptions head-on. Their children, who embody a blend of their heritages, face a world where racial biases and stereotypes persist. The couple has been intentional about fostering an environment where their kids feel proud of their dual identities while equipping them to handle prejudice. This challenge is not unique to the Ribeiros; it’s a reality shared by other high-profile interracial families, such as Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner and her husband, Tony Berlin, who also navigate raising biracial children under public scrutiny.

 

For Ribeiro and Unkrich, the journey began with open conversations about race and identity. They’ve worked to instill a sense of pride in their children’s Black and white heritage, teaching them to embrace both cultures fully. This includes celebrating traditions from both sides of their family, from African American cultural touchstones to Unkrich’s family customs. However, the couple has also had to prepare their children for the harsh realities of racial bias. Ribeiro, drawing from his own experiences in Hollywood, understands the sting of stereotypes and the pressure to “fit in.” Unkrich, too, has had to learn to recognize the subtle and overt ways racism can manifest, ensuring their children are shielded yet empowered to face the world.

The challenge intensified as their children grew and began to encounter the outside world—school, social settings, and even media exposure due to Ribeiro’s fame. Like Harris Faulkner, who has spoken about guiding her daughters through questions of identity, the Ribeiros have had to address moments when their children faced confusion or discrimination because of their mixed heritage. These experiences, while painful, have strengthened the couple’s resolve to model resilience and unity. They’ve leaned on patience, mutual understanding, and open dialogue, ensuring their home is a safe space where their children can ask questions and express their feelings.

 

Ribeiro’s public platform, with 1.3 million Instagram followers, has allowed him to share glimpses of their family’s journey, from joyful moments to heartfelt tributes to Unkrich’s role as a mother. His Mother’s Day post in May 2025, praising Unkrich’s unwavering dedication, resonated with fans and peers like DWTS pro Witney Carson, who called her “an amazing mom.” These posts not only celebrate their love but also subtly highlight their commitment to overcoming challenges together.

Ultimately, the Ribeiros’ story is one of triumph through adversity. By facing the complexities of raising biracial children with grace and intention, they’ve built a family rooted in love and resilience. As Ribeiro often says, the best is yet to come—a testament to their enduring partnership and unwavering dedication to their children’s future.