Tells him he grew up on the streets of Baltimore. Ashley speaks with her sister, the oft-materialistic and flighty Hilary (Karyn Parsons), to ask her, directly, when she knew she was ready for sex. The rest of the family may find this all surprising, and Uncle Phil may at first think Frank (Baker) is a valet (in one of the best-staged act outs I've seen in a TV comedy; not to mention its sneakily provocative racial flip). (Via). Even if the performance wasnt real, it was real enough to be remembered 20 years later. I'm sorry, Will. It was Avery, always the steady influence, that centered him, giving the rapper turned movie star memorable advice. Ain't like I'ma be sitting up every night asking my mom, "When's Daddy coming home? I started feeling trapped. Like, James Avery wouldnt give me a damn inch, the actor recalled on TIDALs Rap Radar podcast series. The two later return to the Banks mansion, where Vivian is less than happy to see Lou, but maintains a civil presence around him for Will's sake. Will Smith on the series premiere of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." NBC. Will assures Phillip he's grateful for everything Phillip has done for him, but he still needs to give his father a chance to be in his life, if he truly has changed. Where does that leave Will? : He and Uncle Phil embrace each other crying, as the camera zooms in on Will's present: a statue of an African father holding his young son. He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again. ', Atlantic Records is Now Hiring Content Creators, Extras Richmond Casting Call for 1770s Types, $4,000 Casting Call for Women with Migraines, SCAD Documentary Casting Call for Church Types, "She Buries Me" Open Casting Call in Philadelphia, $125/Day Fort Lauderdale Music Video Casting Call, Paramount+ Series Casting Call for 2-Year Old Actors, "His Story: The Musical" Open Casting Call, $350/Day Docu-Style Project Casting Call for Blonde Actors, $1,500 Commercial Casting Call for Skiers in Colorado. But there is one episode that stands head and shoulders above the rest. It was 1994, and he had just come off Six Degrees of Separation, a dramedy about a young con man who charms his way into a rich White family. William 'Will' Smith William 'Will' Smith: Got through my first date without him, right? "I did not make the rules, but I do know how to play the game. Philip, for God's sake. However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir Will that the relationship was occasionally turbulent due to his father's abuse of his mother. 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. When they express how this is going to crush Will, Lou asks Phillip and Vivian to break the news to Will. So we're gonna have to put our trip on hold. Geoffrey Butler: You have the right house. [takes out a small statue of a father sitting with his son on his lap]. You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith: You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. Smith was known for his clean lyrics, and his hits were . Geoffrey Butler: Master William, tradition dictates that a clean, unbreakable line be drawn between a family and their butler. Will Smith: Oh, okay, well uh, cheerio and all that Walter now. Vivian Banks The shot frames this moment alongside the sculpture; subtly, but decidedly, communicating that this is the real father-son relationship at the center of Fresh Prince, at the center of Will's life. [to Will] | After all, given his upbringing, getting threatened by folks packing guns is an unfortunately common part of life. And Uncle Phil, in the first of Avery's many perfect performances, sets him straight. I rarely cried for a sitcom, but this is it. Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor and rapper.Known for variety of roles, Smith has received multiple accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award and four Grammy Awards. 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?" Vivian helps Phillip realize that he is being selfish to Will due to his hatred for Lou, and both Phillip and Will apologize for their behavior. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. Philip Banks: I'm sorry. He never even sent me a damn card! You know the episode, and you definitely know THE scene. Will's father is a deadbeat who left him and his mom flat. No, you know what, Uncle Phil? But it means, more than ever, we can't lose faith in people. You know what, Aunt Viv? Ain't even nothing to talk about. Yeah, whatever. William 'Will' Smith: No, you know what, Uncle Phil? 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. : Yeah, yeah. William 'Will' Smith Lou Smith William 'Will' Smith William 'Will' Smith: How come he don't want me, man? Young Ashley Banks (Tatyana Ali) is growing up. He's now his own person, living in his new life, that he himself built this whole time. Why did it take so long? Company Credits Will Smith said he improvised his character's piano moment in the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" pilot. As of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. The reviews were solid for the then-25-year-olds first dramatic movie role, so Smith was ready to do something that had a little bite to it, Zuckerman said. I was honored to be there at the launch.. Just for a couple of weeks. : She then exits, but not without warning Lou that if he walks out now, he will not be welcome at the Banks mansion again. I've been waiting for this for a long time, my whole life and ain't nobody gonna stop me. That changed with Papas Got a Brand New Excuse, the season four episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that aired 25 years ago today. William 'Will' Smith But that specific episode? The theme, extended in this pilot, summarizes the "pauper to prince" narrative of Will's initial journey with catchy, goofy flavor, but it doesn't stop the inherent complexities of this initial narrative's center from being any less pertinent. For four years, I treated that boy like my own son. 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. Philip: Yeah, then why did he say it? He's my father. 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. Will, it's all right to be angry. But hes a better parental figure than his actual dad, who lets his son down again. During an average taping, The Fresh Prince set was like a raucous football stadium. Find the latest movie casting calls, TV auditions, Modeling jobs, acting opportunities, acting tips, and entertainment news for the biggest movies and TV shows filming across the world. The pair attempt to rebuild their relationship and even plan activities together, but when the time came for them to embark on their trip, Lou bailed. And I got pretty damn good at it too, didn't I, Uncle Phil? William 'Will' Smith See production, box office & company info, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves]. The first one went extremely well while the second album, not so much. The show wasn't afraid to tackle issues like drugs, sex, drunk driving, sexism, racism, and violence to teach us an important lesson or two about life. Whatever. This relationship needs to be attended to, now. : Filming & Production Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! Will Smith Explains The "Dad Episode" of Fresh Prince, According to episode co-writer David Zuckerman, this episode was written to showcase Will Smith's dramatic acting talents, following his recent turn in the dramedy, The initial script for this episode cast Lou as a pool shark breezing through town. Here's the Tumblr version of events that we've come to believe as the truth: "That awful moment when you learn that this wasnt scripted. will smith fresh prince dad scene scriptanson county warrant list. How come he don't want me, man? Man, I'm glad you're here. On the eve of Janice's wedding, a group of Banks women gather in the kitchen, unable to sleep, to snack on wedding treats and chat. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1), Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2). So when he has to break down and confess to the family that the amphetamines Carlton found were meant for him, making him tacitly responsible for Carlton's hospitalization, he commits to it beautifully. I'll be a better father than he ever was, and I sure as hell don't need him for that, 'cause ain't a damn thing he could ever teach me about how to love my kids! So there you have it everyone! I had always been interested in shows with fathers, because I grew up with a single parent, he said. Or so the widely-spread legend goes. : Although he was a "tough" man, Will told Essence Magazine that he was not "tryannical. I wanted him to approve of me., Fans of the show have long believed that Smith improvised that final scene in which his character builds to an emotional crescendo, loudly proclaiming all the milestones he got through without Lou, but every word was written by Bill and I, Zuckerman said. Instead, it shows slides of the end credits. Carlton, however, self-weaponizes and assumes too much responsibility again, and his faith in an inherent sense of decency in the systems of life is shattered again. Will believes that Uncle Phil is jealous and tells him that hes not his real dad. The scene is iconic, ingrained in the brains of all who grew up watching "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air": a young Will Smith, eager to jet off on a trip with his biological father, only to be let down when his dad skips out on him once again.Will turns cold at the rejection, calling his dad only "Lou," then later rants to Uncle Phil about life without his dad. And he told us that this was going to be our gig over the summer. : Following Avery's words, Smith pulled off the most iconic and emotional scene in the show's history. I wanted him to want me. Will is originally from West-Philadelphia but was forced to move soon after participating in a fight with a couple of thugs. What's up? It's Carlton, Phil's son, whom we see suffer this trauma the most severely, even more so than Phil himself. It's a scene even the most casual ofFresh Prince fans have committed to memory, effectively staged and played without a studio audience to give us any emotional relief. Is Viola's reaction mere prejudice, plainly spoken? Has this period, reactionary and transitory in intention, ended with an anticlimactic ellipses rather than an emphatic exclamation? Avery immediately pulled him aside and gave him a pep talk, telling him to make eye contact with Uncle Phil, which would help guide the performance and get Smith into the emotional state Will needed to be in. Or Hillarys Playboy spread? Ain't like I'ma be sitting up every night asking my mom, "When's Daddy coming home? While Will is forgiving and understanding, Phillip and Vivian not so much. I was actually at the taping. Phillip however, makes no effort to be civil towards Lou, showing downright hostility towards him, in questioning him over what possessed him to suddenly return, and why he isn't sending any money to his wife and child that he abandoned, when he's clearly making some with his profession as a truck driver. Because you're my son and I love you. [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. The fatherhood episode was pivotal, Jensen added, because it marked Smiths arrival as a force to be reckoned with. But his words, as Uncle Phil's so often do, ring passionate with promise, with ideals, and with familial love. 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!" William 'Will' Smith: [shouts] To hell with him! The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was, and continues to be, a breath of fresh air.Originally airing from 1990 to 1996 for six seasons, the sitcom broke Will Smith through to superstardom in a series of . Lauderdale, Florida. Or remember that time Aunt Viv just really wanted to dance? 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. Philip Banks : Of course Im talking about Papas Got a Brand New Excuse.. : : Lou awkwardly admits that he's got to take care of some business so the planned trip is going to have to wait a week or two, but most likely longer than that, and he promises to call to work it out. Discover short videos related to fresh prince of bel air father scene on TikTok. We all knew we were having a great time. What is the Spanish language plot outline for Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse (1994)? We're doing alright, huh? The episode featured the man-hug loved (and memed) around the world as Uncle Phil (James Avery) doesnt so much embrace as completely envelop his nephew, who is coming to grips with the loss of his absentee father for a second time. Zuckerman firmly squashed the rumor in a 2020 article, stating the entire episode and that scene in particular were tightly scripted, citing Smith's acting ability as a testament to it seeming spontaneous. Now, let's get to the bottom of this rumor. 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 father was a question mark, or, as cousin Hillary puts it in the episode, a deadbeat who left him and his mom flat.. Nov 11, 2021, 12:36 PM. No, he said. . Casting Calls and news is updated daily get the industry news here! I'm sorry. I'm sorry that everybody can't be as perfect as you, Uncle Phil, but if I can forgive him, how come you can't? Insists that if Carlton goes through with this plan, he's just as bad as the guy who put Will in the hospital. And I'm a different man now. Geoffrey Butler: Come with me, Master William. When the police pull over Will and Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) in a borrowed Mercedes, on the way to a Palm Springs vacation with Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv (Janet Hubert-Whitten), Carlton, covered in the security blanket of his class, his rational thinking, and the fact that his father is a judge, assumes they will explain what's going on and drive away no harm done. Actually, this works out better for me, you know. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. Co-writer Bill Boulware based this episode on his own life experiences growing up with a single parent, noting he was always interested in shows about fathers due to his lack of one growing up. That year we won the first Grammy given to a rap artist.". Will and Philip subsequently get into a heated argument over this, with Will claiming in anger that he doesn't care what Phillip thinks because Phillip is not his father, leaving Phillip visibly upset and at a loss for words. My father could kind of see doing something differently. : Watch popular content from the following creators: Tvseries Clips(@i_cole_world_i), Call_Me_Ville(@callme_ville), LeashRN-BSN(@leash_rn), EpicClips101(@epicclips101official), ciaran w(@rap_editszzz) . It was great seeing you, son. Grab a hankie, whistle for a cab, and take a trip down memory lane with me. Get Discovered! Filled with investments. ", 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. Got through my first date without him, right? [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly] 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. Use me. 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. You might notice his hat coming off. During the episode, Will reunites with his father, Lou, who was absent from his life for 14 years. Sheridan Smith beamed as she left the Duke of York's Theatre in London on Thursday after her West End show, Shirley Valentine. However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir. This version of the character was received poorly by Will Smith at the initial table read, and so Lou was rewritten as a somewhat more sympathetic character, who at least had a legitimate job as a truck driver. In honor ofThe Fresh Prince's 30th anniversary, here are the 10 best times the sitcom got serious throughout its run, in chronological order. 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. It killed me when I first saw it, and still gets to me now. By Awa | I learned how to drive, I learned how to shave, I learned how to fight without him. Lou Smith : Will, as he is wont to do, acts a fool; and Carlton, as he is wont to do, hops over every task with a double front-flip, cleaning up the joint while he's at it. William 'Will' Smith: You know what? Several years after Fresh Prince ended, Will got a chance to really flex his own fatherly skills on the big screen when he starred in The Pursuit of Happyness and After Earth with his son Jaden. He reflected that there was an element of his character fully coming to terms with how much he had failed Will after being referred to by his name rather than as "Dad". Fearing for his safety his mother sent him out to Bel Air. : Directed by Shelley Jensen with a script from David Zuckerman and Bill Boulware, Papas Got a Brand New Excuse is about Wills father, played by Ben Vereen, returning to his sons life after 14 years. [pause] I just wasn't ready to be a father. To hell with him! Are you a content creator looking for an opportunity to show your stuff? How come he dont want me, man? Will asks, lip quivering as he starts to break down and cry. In the episode, Will's deadbeat father Lou (played by Broadway legend Ben Vereen) returns after a 14-year absence to spend time with his son. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a 1990s sitcom that stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself. An emotional Will lets his frustration out in a conversation with Uncle Phil, but things got really sad when he finally breaks down in tears. That year we won the first Grammy given to a rap artist. But Top Dog makes the opposite decision, deciding that WIll is more "authentically Black," calling Carlton a "sellout.". Will Smith: What are you, Robo-Butler, man? February 24, 2022 armstrong siddeley cars for sale armstrong siddeley cars for sale 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 . Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? While working at the Los Angeles University student restaurant, Will recognizes a customer - his father - whom he has not seen for 14 years. The hell with your father. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community.