Carlton Banks is a principal character on The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. He is portrayed by Alfonso Ribeiro.
History
Carlton was born on August 4, 1974, to Vivian Banks and Uncle Phil. He has an older sister, Hilary Banks, a younger sister, Ashley Banks, and a younger brother, Nicholas "Nicky" Banks. Carlton attends Bel-Air Academy and ULA (for two years) until he transfers to Princeton in 1996.
Carlton is a highly rational, respectful, and caring individual; however, he can be annoying, naive, and cocky. He dresses preppy and is a conservative Republican who loves Tom Jones and Macaulay Culkin. Carlton tends to have difficulty thinking about others and is often at odds with his cousin, Will Smith, although he is Will's best friend and brother figure.
Carlton has a tight relationship with his father, almost always siding with Philip in arguments. Will claims that he is sucking up, but Carlton always points out that his Father is often right in the long run. On almost every occasion that presents itself, Carlton chooses to take the side or approach the outcome which will solely benefit him or improve his image, importance or ego. He behaves like a flat-out sycophant because, in the best of times, he only cares about himself.
Carlton is very unlucky when it comes to women. They often find him unimpressive, arrogant, nerdy and obnoxious. At times when Carlton does think he's found love, it's always revealed he's actually being used in one way or another.
His siblings tend to get along better with Will than with him because they tend to find their brother awkward, annoying, and somewhat selfish. Carlton constantly prefers to think about himself, shamelessly disregards Will and his friends in favor of something that will make him look good, and reacts with a total lack of compassion when it comes to everyone else. Despite his terrible choices and self-centered ways, they still love their brother dearly.
Carlton's life of supreme social standing has led to him having a blatant superiority complex; he is insulted and even given a headache by the concept that money isn't everything. Also, a very common catchphrase of his is to say 'I'm rich' as an excuse for him not having to endure certain hardships. For example, after he insults and disregard's Will as an employee of his and Will leaves (soon leading to massive unpopularity for Carlton), Carlton tries to get Will back; however, when Will asks him to beg Carlton says 'I don't know how to beg! I'm rich!'. Furthermore, there are an array of occasions where Carlton talks down to Will, stating that Will is a ghetto kid in a big city.
Quotes
- "Why so glum, chum?"
- ―Carlton to Will[src]
"'Not available'? Perhaps you should let George know that, as Carlton, I'm in a position to scratch his bush if he'll scratch mine, capisce? Hello?"
"Okay, I think you know who you're talking to. I'm Carlton. Carlton Banks you're talking to. Carlton. It's Carlton Carlton Carlton Carlton Carlton."
Trivia
- The character is based on real-life person, Corey Chambliss.
- Carlton has a great relationship with his father Philip, who is his hero.
- His other heroes are Bryant Gumbel and Tom Jones.
- Carlton is famous for his dance to Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual" which was inspired by Courtney Cox's appearance in the Bruce Springsteen music video for 'Dancing in the Dark' released in 1984 and a stand-up routine performed by Eddie Murphy in 1987.
- He is similar to Alex P. Keaton.
- He suffers from a compulsive gambling addiction[1][2] as seen in the episodes, "You Bet Your Life" and "Viva Lost Wages".
- Carlton is a fan of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He reacts hysterically when he meets Donald Trump. He likes Vanilla Ice and Barry Manilow.