1 His First Major Movie Role Was In Six Degrees Of Separation. : : : Will never, ever, forget. And Uncle Phil, in the first of Avery's many perfect performances, sets him straight. However Vivian has previously stated that hers, violas, Helens and Janices maiden name is Smith. : Filming & Production He was the model for me of an actor. The slimmies of summer come to class wearing next to nothing, you know what I'm saying Philip Banks: Will, it's all right to be angry. : (Video: The Washington Post). Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? William 'Will' Smith And, all of these qualities are challenged directly in "Blood Is Thicker Than Mud," a standout episode for Alfonso Ribeiro. I had always been interested in shows with fathers, because I grew up with a single parent, he said. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. Did he actually accomplish anything during this time living with his upper-class relatives? Carlton is confidently, uniquely himself. Lou Smith Is Viola's reaction mere prejudice, plainly spoken? In reality, Smith's parents separated when he was 13 but his father remained a major figure in his life up to his death in 2016. Kim Kardashian Tackled to the Ground at Paris Fashion Event, Marvel's 'Ant-Man' Casting Call for Kids in Peachtree City, Georgia, NBA YoungBoy and Birdman Hire Director for 'Ballin Blocker 2', 'The Weeknd' To Star in a Movie He Co-Wrote and Produced, Michael B. Jordan Reunites with High School Reporter at 'Creed III' Premiere: 'I Was the Corny Kid, Right? Borrowing its title fromGuess Who's Coming to Dinner, the 1967 film in whichKatharine Houghtonbrings home fianc Sidney Poitierto her white parents to examine interracial relationships in a lightly comedic purview, "Guess Who's Coming to Marry?" How Many Of These 90s One Hit Wonders Can You Name. William 'Will' Smith For six seasons, Will Smith and the rest of the hilarious cast made us laugh week after week with their shenanigans, but they also got our lives flipped-turned upside down whenever they addressed serious topics. I ain't need him then and I don't need him now. In another interview with Reader's Digest, he explained that his father actually supported his dreams of pursuing a career in music. He tore the old one down it was probably 16 feet high and 40 feet long. Class and race issues are at the core of Will's journey from Philadelphia to Bel-Air, and after a series of fish-out-of-water shenanigans where Will's lower-class upbringing clashes with the Banks' upper-class upbringing during a dinner party, these tensions explode explicitly. He never even sent me a damn card! You might notice his hat coming off. Uncle Phil grabs Will and hugs him fiercely, as he wished his father would. William 'Will' Smith: No, you know what, Uncle Phil? It was not one of our best moments, said Zuckerman. Look at me. Tags: fresh prince of bel air, sad, scene, Will Smth, father, The Story Behind The Saddest "Fresh Prince" Scene Is Not What You Think, The Evolution of the Internet: 90s to Now. The story behind Will Smiths iconic hug scene in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Roger Goodell, Muriel Bowser discussed future of RFK site in December call, Kyle Kuzma, Wizards start fast and dont look back in win over Raptors, Corey Dickerson aims to lead and have a bounce-back year with Nats. Every true Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fan knows the most emotional scene in the entire series. This wasnt the physical comedy at which Smith the rapper excelled. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. Philip Banks Will Smith cries remember James Avery during the 'Fresh Prince' reunion special. [3] ButThe Fresh Princemight be the most successful because of what it implies about the future of its characters, and how neatly it closes the arc for Will. Geoffrey Butler: You have the right house. So the only thing true about this rumor is the emotion conveyed by Will in the scene. It was also so unexpected. Will seemingly understands, but he realizes that Lou's just trying to weasel his way out of the situation, and their trip isn't going to happen at all. Vivian and Carlton are excited to see their Uncle Lou, and Ashley (who was a baby when Lou walked out) and baby Nicky get to meet him for the first time. In reality, Smith's parents separated when he was 13 but his father remained a major figure in his life up to his death in 2016. However, Lou announces to Vivian and Phillip that he has to leave immediately to make a business shipment, and he's gotta be open for more shipments, so the trip he promised Will isn't going to happen as he planned it. "We agreed that I would take a year making music, and if it did not work out, I would go to college. Excuse me, bring the horses around would you, ha! Uncle Phil, however, is worried that Will's father will simply disappoint Will again and disappoint Will he does. At least he said goodbye this time. When they express how this is going to crush Will, Lou asks Phillip and Vivian to break the news to Will. The altercation purportedly began when the then neophyte actor felt a scene wasn't working on his sitcom, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and unilaterally made some changes to the script . R.I.P.James Avery "Uncle Phil" 1948-2014 --ONE OF MY FAV SCENES--THROW BACK! Smith, playing a version of himself, lives with his extended family, and everyone lives, learns, laughs, loves, and grows with each other. That Will Smiths character was actually supposed to brush off the whole thing, but Wills father actually had left him when he was younger and he just fell apart on the set and the hug at the end was from one actor to another, not one character to another.". But these are all catchy seasonings to a fundamentally kind, responsible, and curious main dish. You probably remember the goofy dancing scenes and guest appearances from DJ Jazzy Jeff, but every so often, The Fresh Prince would attempt something legitimately poignant. You saw the light bulb go off, he said. It's a brilliantly played scene, rife with warmth and gentility even as they discuss tricky stuff. But his words, as Uncle Phil's so often do, ring passionate with promise, with ideals, and with familial love. will smith fresh prince dad scene scriptanson county warrant list. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1), Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2). This erroneous claim first appeared in a Tumblr post in the early 2010s with no source given, nor has one emerged beyond the rumor simply being repeated verbatim uncited, including on IMDb. Thus, the hunt for a fraternity is on, and the two decide to attend a rush event for a Black frat on campus, run by Top Dog (Glenn Plummer). His and Boulwares new script recast Lou as a troubled trucker and a guy that just wasnt cut out to be a father., Vereen, who was overjoyed to join the cast for May sweeps week, remembers feeling something special. James Avery was relentlessly on me to elevate. I am Geoffrey, your uncle's butler. : All this "Master William" stuff, I'm not down with that, make it sound like we back on the plantation or something, we like "Massa William, Massa William!" As of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. The true story behind one of the saddest scenes in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' History has finally been revealed. : [to Will] It was a formula that clearly worked, considering theres a good chance well be seeing more of the Tanners soon, but it was super-corny, especially when compared to another so-called kids show that was on the same time, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. So there you have it everyone! : : We're doing alright, huh? After the following perfect take, which made it into the final episode, Avery whispered in Smith's ear during Will and Uncle Phil's hug, "That's fucking acting right there. The two awkwardly find themselves talking with Lou claiming he's a self-employed truck driver now, and that he recently spoke to Will's mother, who informed him that Will was now in Bel-Air with his Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivian, so he drove down to see his son. He eradicates the box of one proper Black identity not with force, but with precision. Ribeiro plays this sequence like a man on a precipice, a fork in the road for Carlton, a thrillingly unpredictable piece of theater that even speaks to that common theater rule involving guns on stage. Fresh Prince wasnt a show that had done serious moments. ignorant of such targeted frissons. While Will is forgiving and understanding, Phillip and Vivian not so much. You see, the day you were born was the happiest day of my life. Vivian Banks The entire show was quiet, even during the funny parts, and I could not figure out why, a Reddit user wrote. Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to be part of an upcoming music vid "Dad was tough but not tyrannical," Smith told Essence. To hell with him! Like, James Avery wouldnt give me a damn inch, the actor recalled on TIDALs Rap Radar podcast series. 'Bad Boys For Life', which filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. During the first take, he found himself stumbling over words so much that director Shelley Jensen called cut so as not to spoil the final line for the audience, prompting Smith to yell in frustration. But as he reveals to Will in a tense, hospital-set two-hander finale (staged this time, curiously,with a studio audience), he hopes deep down inside that he can meet the man who shot Will, and get his revenge. This remains, by my estimation, the single greatest example of a television sitcom getting real and I wouldn't be surprised if it continues to be for the rest of the medium's history (gritty reboots be damned). My father could kind of see doing something differently. This leaves Phil and Will alone, and leaves Will the opportunity to spill out all of his feelings about his absent father. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. Will Smith helped co-write the script for this scene. Published Mar 12, 2022. No, you know what, Uncle Phil? Fearing for his safety his mother sent him out to Bel Air. : . Here's the Tumblr version of events that we've come to believe as the truth: Lou exclaims that Phillip is a better man than himself, thinking that's what Phillip wants to hear, and asks him to break the news to Will, but Phillip refuses to do Lou's "dirty work", and Lou opts to duck out and call from the road. This pages comprises the full verbal transcript of the first episode of Season 1 - The Fresh Prince Project . Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. By Season 4 of The Fresh Prince, Will and Carlton have graduated from high school and are now beginning their college studies. For more, www.smithlgreg.com, The Best Serious Moments in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', 'The Last of Us' Made Flashbacks Work, But Episode 7's Doesn't, The 10 Best 'South Park' Episodes of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb, 10 Best Villains from 'Batman: The Animated Series', Ranked. Fourteen. Wake up, Will. "I did not make the rules, but I do know how to play the game. WatchMojo: Top 10 "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Moments, NBC Studios - 3000 W. Alameda Avenue, Burbank, California, USA. In honor ofThe Fresh Prince's 30th anniversary, here are the 10 best times the sitcom got serious throughout its run, in chronological order. Lauderdale music video casting call in Fort. Just for a couple of weeks. I've been waiting for this for a long time, my whole life and ain't nobody gonna stop me. There are around 148 episodes over six seasons, but one episode titled Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse made many fans emotional. William 'Will' Smith : as a startling wake-up call, albeit one couched in comfort, comedy, and familiar class dynamics. He's an associate editor for Collider and has written for Shudder, CBS, Paste Magazine, Guff, Smosh, Obsev Studios, and more. Ben Vereen (Lou) stated in an interview that he broke into tears himself after walking out of the camera shot. Will's father Lou shows up after 14 years and spends a lot of time with Will. Will never, ever, forget.. It was Avery, always the steady influence, that centered him, giving the rapper turned movie star memorable advice. It came in the series' fourth season and 24 th episode called "Papa's Got A Brand New Excuse", and it's an amazing example of Will Smith 's acting ability. Lou and Phillip get into a heated argument about Lou's responsibilities as a father with Lou again claiming he was scared to be a father, which Phillip rejects, claiming he too was scared to be a father, but unlike Lou, he didn't run out on his family, but rather remained present for his children's lives, as a good and responsible man is supposed to do. Before he can do so, Will walks in, packed and ready to go. Some business came up I gotta handle. It originally aired on May 9, 1994. After more than a decade of being absent from his life, Will's father Lou (Ben Vereen) returns, eager to spend time with his son Will here in the fancy hills of Bel-Air. Will Smiths acting in it was flawless, the words and script were so real too. I'ma get through college without him, I'ma get a great job without him, I'ma marry me a beautiful honey, and I'ma have me a whole bunch of kids. That he heard Malcolm X, whom Will had deified earlier in the episode, speak in person. Behind the scenes, the episode was also meant to showcase Smiths dramatic acting chops. [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. The two are prepared to take a cross-country trip around the country for the remainder of the summer, but Philip sees that this reunion and trip is in Lou's favor rather than Will's. Its fun to bash on Will Smiths career moves of late (After, ugh, Earth), but when he finds the right role, hes an excellent actor. Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. Then, the waterworks. Oh yeah, I don't think so. In the episode, Wills deadbeat father Lou (played by Broadway legend Ben Vereen) returns after a 14-year absence to spend time with his son. In the episode "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse", Will Smith demonstrated his true acting abilities and showed the world when he is given the right role, he can do an amazing job. Therefore, it is necessary for the operation of the household that you address me as Geoffrey, and I in turn address you by your proper title, Master William. : There is no funny outtake of the cast messing up their lines. This is the same guy who didn't think enough of you to pick up the damn phone! Philip Banks Look, why are you telling me this now? How you doin'? : ", There is a popular misconception that Smith himself was also abandoned by his biological father in real life when he was young and had "broken character" while delivering the rant which went from being directed towards Lou to being directed towards Smith's own real-life father. He also recalls that unusually for a sitcom with a live audience, the audience was entirely silent during filming, comparing the average taping as like a football stadium but this taping like "being in a church.". The actor was so convincing in his delivery that the entire audience started crying. You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. Director Shelley Jensen describes this episode as a turning point in Smith's performance, noting his acting improved dramatically after it. That childlike sense of rage, coupled with his newfound maturity, rises into his throat; his final act of defiance is to refuse to call his father "Dad," opting for his name instead. Smith gave his first highlight-reel performance, and it wouldnt have been possible with Uncle Phil, who whispered something in Smiths ear while they were hugging on camera: To read more about the episode, click here. In that final scene, when Lou disappoints Will for the final time, Vereen himself broke down off-camera. William 'Will' Smith: You know what? [shouts] In its six seasons on NBC, the series a grittier version of The Cosby Show that juxtaposed hip-hop culture with Black upper-class ethos tackled everything from racism to sexism to a two-step dubbed the Carlton.. With Wednesday's press night under her belt and a standing ovation to . Those qualities I assigned Carlton regarding the previous episode? Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's just not true. Hilary, this is Lou Smith I'm sorry, Will. Come tomorrow, I'm out of here. Okay? He's now his own person, living in his new life, that he himself built this whole time. Oh, come on. I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. Will said that. We didnt realize it had affected that many people until years later., Did any of us know this show would become what it has become in the last 30 years? Of course Im talking about Papas Got a Brand New Excuse.. [takes out a small statue of a father sitting with his son on his lap]. Hilary's response is just a wonderfully stated, expertly performed piece of sisterly advice and love, undercut appropriately by in-character jokes (Parsons knows this character like a craftsman knows their tool). Just lay one brick, dude. (Via). When Will and Carlton are held up at gunpoint at an ATM, a shot is fired, and Will is the victim. But this constant poking at Uncle Phil's weight comes to a serious head in "Home Is Where the Heart Attack Is," an episode that, as you might guess, gives Uncle Phil a weight-induced heart attack to suffer through. TIL that during Will Smith's monologue about his father on Fresh Prince, it was so heart-wrenching that audience members can be heard crying after it is over. His character was contending with all the things hed never be and Vereen was deep in that moment. Will. We were all in the moment. Some of the episodes even made us cry. Really shows how good of an actor Will Smith is. The slimmies of summer come to class wearing next to nothing, you know what I'm saying Philip Banks And she thinks she might be ready to enter a sexual relationship with a partner (Jaleel White, of course), despite their relationship being inherently long distance. The most effective and illuminating emotional reaction to this doesn't orient around Will, however at least not directly. And he told us that this was going to be our gig over the summer. The Post's Candace Buckner, David Betancourt and Tramel Raggs explore how current demonstrations against racial inequality are echoing memorable sports movies. Those qualities are all self-weaponized, manifesting in self-destructive ways. are heading to New England themselves to be closer to their family. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community.