Grab a hankie, whistle for a cab, and take a trip down memory lane with me. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airwas, and continues to be, a breath of fresh air. Following Avery's words, Smith pulled off the most iconic and emotional scene in the show's history. 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. This was the first time the show just went there and stayed there and let it resonate, Zuckerman said of the episodes lasting impact. Those qualities I assigned Carlton regarding the previous 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. are heading to New England themselves to be closer to their family. When Will calls him Lou, oh my God, his whole frame just shrunk because he realized at that point that hed lost his son. Lou Smith Geoffrey Butler: I am not your Uncle Philip. The man turns out to be Will's father, Lou Smith, whom Will hasn't seen in 14 years, since he abandoned the family. : Like, James Avery wouldnt give me a damn inch, the actor recalled on TIDALs Rap Radar podcast series. Lou Smith Did he actually accomplish anything during this time living with his upper-class relatives? Hilary and Ashley are heading to New York, Carlton is heading to Princeton, and Phil and Viv (and Nicky; remember Nicky?) : I knew it was good, good television and it was really special.. 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. Oh, come on. Whew, that was deep, Vereen said. Look, why are you telling me this now? I wanted him to want me. Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! Carlton's response comes not as a surprise, but as a well-practiced speech, something he's been having to reckon with his entire life. William 'Will' Smith Geoffrey Butler: Master William, tradition dictates that a clean, unbreakable line be drawn between a family and their butler. : Use me. (Via). We're doing alright, huh? 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. Ben Vereen (Lou) stated in an interview that he broke into tears himself after walking out of the camera shot. I was actually at the taping. But in fact, Wills dad was an active participant in his sons life, and even encouraged him. Will's father is out of the picture; Uncle Phil is by all accounts the closest to a dad he has. : You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith: You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. 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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) . William 'Will' Smith Stream It Or Skip It: 'Love at First Kiss' on Netflix, a Spanish Rom-Com About a Man Gifted with 'Romantic Clairvoyance' Stream It Or Skip It: 'Tonight You're Sleeping With Me' on Netflix, a . After landing a role on Fresh Prince, Will also snagged a leading role in the 1993 film adaptation of Six Degrees of Separation. Smith has given all the credit to Avery for helping him get through that moment. Whatever. : Before this scene, Will Smith disappeared. William 'Will' Smith: Hey, why should I be mad? When we started the series, Will was definitely not there, but he grew as a man and as an actor, he said. He's fond of structure, of status, of systems. Then, the waterworks. Because he's not doing this for you, he's doing this for himself and if you think any differently, then you're a fool! Will's very pleased with this. How Many Of These 90s One Hit Wonders Can You Name. The actor was so convincing in his delivery that the entire audience started crying. Ashley asks her if she was nervous, and Hilary responds that she absolutely was, but she "was ready." That he has no idea what life on the streets is like. In 1990, when "Mistaken Identity" first aired on NBC, a gurgling of tensions and resentments between the Black community and the police, founded on an entire history's worth of subjugation and explicitly race-based violence, were churning nearly at a breaking point. Philip Banks 1.3k. 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. William 'Will' Smith : Instead, he laser-focuses on cleaning the house, taking care of everything except himself, feeling genuinely, scarily haunted. Excuse me. I might have been 12 and my brother 9 when one day he decided he wanted a new front wall at his shop. William 'Will' Smith 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.". Really shows how good of an actor Will Smith is. HD1080p WILL'S DAD EMOTIONAL SAD SCENE ON THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIRNEW 2013 OF. Gregory Lawrence (aka Greg Smith) is a writer, director, performer, songwriter, and comedian. 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. I just have to lay a perfect brick. Geoffrey Butler approaches the door and lets Will in. Will is thrilled at this news, ready to rekindle his paternal relationship without much skepticism apparent. Will forgives him and is prepared to give him another chance. There is no funny outtake of the cast messing up their lines. (Via). You saw the light bulb go off, he said. Hes a steady and positive figure in my life.. 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. : During filming, the studio was completely silent a rarity for a comedy with a live audience. And when it digs into this core, it doesn't need silly jokes. His father was a question mark, or, as cousin Hillary puts it in the episode, a deadbeat who left him and his mom flat.. Look at me, use me. Home; About. [long pause as Will struggles to regain his composure]. Uncle Phil grabs Will and hugs him fiercely, as he wished his father would. 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. Philip Banks : Philip Banks: [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] I'm sorry, Will. Hed get this look that said, One more step, Will, and itll get ugly. He was an independent businessman-he set up refrigeration in supermarkets-and he always provided for us. The slimmies of summer come to class wearing next to nothing, you know what I'm saying Philip Banks Carlton refuses to see his father after this moment of vulnerability and mortality. 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? [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. 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. 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 . : I didn't know there was so many brothers living in the neighborhood. : Young Ashley Banks (Tatyana Ali) is growing up. I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. Yeah, you did. Just for a couple of weeks. 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. He's now his own person, living in his new life, that he himself built this whole time. The two were locked in that epic embrace when Avery doled out even more encouragement. 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. Carlton Banks We were all in the moment. [pause] Plus, the specific choice of drugs amphetamines and the specific effects we see Carlton dancing himself into a frenzy unfortunately brings to mind other campy very special episodes, particularly the infamousSaved by the Bellcaffeine pills debacle. Why did it take so long? Dont act around me, act with me. The advice worked. So we're gonna have to put our trip on hold. Guess what happens next. But then, in an all-time line reading, Will simply asks his uncle, "How come he don't want me, man?" But it wasnt until the fourth season, with its characters deeply established, that the show decided to tackle the subject in depth. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1), Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2). 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. During an average taping, The Fresh Prince set was like a raucous football stadium. Will Smith: What are you, Robo-Butler, man? 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). Find talent. Will Smith on the series premiere of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." NBC. Uncle Phil helps his nephew find a new California apartment on his own, and he'll continue his collegiate studies in the state, too. By Awa | William 'Will' Smith: [shouts] To hell with him! This moment feels goodto watch, and feels like a cathartic piece of permission for Black folks who don't fit the typical mold you see on television to be exactly who they are, and be comfortable in that. He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again. Will says in one episode, while the camera tilts up to literally show the studio lights). So what's the real story behind the tear-jerking scene, you ask? Will has grown and learned immeasurably from his new circumstances and familial compassions, and these growths came so organically that he didn't even notice them happening. : I'm sorry. Before he can do so, Will walks in, packed and ready to go. It's tricky to reckon with "Just Say Yo" with modern eyes. (HBO Max) Will recalled the episode where his character's father resurfaces after 14 years. Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. : 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. And to do so, he has to leave the building one final time. That he heard Malcolm X, whom Will had deified earlier in the episode, speak in person. He's my father. In celebration of its 30th anniversary (the pilot aired September 10, 1990), I wondered why this show continues to play so wonderfully and warmly where so many other '90s sitcoms become forgotten. "How come he don't want me, man?" Directed by Shelley Jensen with a script from David Zuckerman and Bill Boulware, "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse" is about Will's father, played by Ben Vereen,. Will then begins to cry and asks Phillip why his father doesn't want him. : 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.". Casting Calls and news is updated daily get the industry news here! The idea was to have Wills father come back and leave again, disappointing his only son for a second time. 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. Recently, a rumor started to circulate that this scene wasn't scripted, and that Will Smith really lost it because his actual father was an absentee. Hilary, this is Lou Smith Lou Smith : I just wasn't ready to be a father. 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. James Avery was relentlessly on me to elevate. At least he said goodbye this time. They were all pretty the same: the dialogue would get cheesy (well, cheesier) and the music, sappy (sappier). The three of them were like a range of Black manhood, Boulware said. The story behind Will Smith's iconic 'hug' scene in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' By Helena Andrews-Dyer September 11, 2020 at 7:00 a.m. EDT Will Smith, seen here in 1990, started "The. They said, Rap? My mother graduated from Carnegie Mellon. That he knew struggles and overcame them. You might notice his hat coming off. He never even sent me a damn card! Dont act around me, act with me, Smith recalled Avery saying. Geoffrey Butler: If you will follow me, I will show you to your room, Master William. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was one of our favorite shows while growing up in the 90s. But hes a better parental figure than his actual dad, who lets his son down again. Tells him he grew up on the streets of Baltimore. Revealing that he bought Lou a present a sculpture of a father holding his son he insists that he's made it through his entire life, and all of his formative moments, without his dad, and that he'll just keep going. ", you know. The actor went off-script and played . Youwillcry at the acapella song the family sings over the credits. eegyvudluk pootoogook / stacey and dave forsey net worth / will smith fresh prince dad scene script. Excuse me, bring the horses around would you, ha! 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. Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. Lou Smith "I did not make the rules, but I do know how to play the game. Or so the widely-spread legend goes. Oct 20, 2017. We went brick by brick for the entire summer and into winter and then back into spring. And I got pretty damn good at it too, didn't I, Uncle Phil? Company Credits But that specific episode? 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. Frank Schaeffer Jr. (cousin) Reuben (great-uncle) Eleanor (great-aunt) William "Will" Smith (portrayed by Willard "Will" Smith) is a fictionalized version of Smith and main character in the 1990-1996 NBC television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the 2022 Peacock streaming television drama Bel-Air, portrayed in the latter series by . As of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir. Although he was a "tough" man, Will told Essence Magazine that he was not "tryannical. 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 duo was forced to pivot when 'Fresh Prince' came along. Boulware, who also wrote the episode of 227 in which a characters father pops back into the picture, drew from his own life experience for the script. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Will's Father leaves Charles Bentley 13.3K subscribers 381K 13M views 7 years ago There wasn't a good quality version of one of the most touching scenes in TV. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. 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. Geoffrey Butler: Master William, walk this way. During the episodes final scene, Smith was struggling to bring it all home. Philip Banks Wills delivery was so perfect it seems like it was in the moment.. 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. : 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. Philip Banks However Vivian has previously stated that hers, violas, Helens and Janices maiden name is Smith. : 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. His father, who had left him years before, claims he is finally ready to become a part of Will's life, again. flips the racial dynamics, bringing home a white husband (an atypically suave Diedrich Bader) to upset the extended Banks family. And finally, just like any great play, she tells her sister Janice what's really going on. Daddy-O! Yeah, yeah. I love when classic multi-cam sitcoms feel like excuses to put classic theater on television for the masses, and this episode has a wondrous scene that vaults into this hallowed ground. Then, she gives Ashley the agency and compassion he needs to make this decision moving forward: "Only you'll know when the time's right for you." Lou Smith 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. Beyond its visceral, gut-punching thrills as a theatrical sequence, this moment is a stark reminder to Carlton, and to everyone watching: We can lose faith in systems that resort to violence, rightly so. Uncle Phil, that is not cool, the way you dissing my father like that. In another interview with Reader's Digest, he explained that his father actually supported his dreams of pursuing a career in music. It was written by David Zuckerman and Bill Boulware, and directed by Shelley Jensen. You know the episode, and you definitely know THE scene. [takes out a small statue of a father sitting with his son on his lap]. William 'Will' Smith Recently, a rumor started to circulate that this scene wasn't scripted, and that Will Smith really lost it because his actual father was an absentee. 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?" attentiveness vs attention will smith fresh prince dad scene script. Behind the scenes, the episode was also meant to showcase Smiths dramatic acting chops. In honor ofThe Fresh Prince's 30th anniversary, here are the 10 best times the sitcom got serious throughout its run, in chronological order. ignorant of such targeted frissons. While Will is forgiving and understanding, Phillip and Vivian not so much. Will's father Lou shows up after 14 years and spends a lot of time with Will. Olivia Singh. It is Fresh Princes most iconic half-hour the moment in which Will, the goof who plays it cool, became human, and Smith became an actor. The duo gets arrested and put in jail, alongside an operatic singing convict ("Any time you see a white guy in jail, you knowhe did something bad!" Will, it's all right to be angry. 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. We were standing there thinking, There will never, ever, be a wall here again. : Some of the episodes even made us cry. This wasnt the physical comedy at which Smith the rapper excelled. : This leaves Phil and Will alone, and leaves Will the opportunity to spill out all of his feelings about his absent father. How you doin'? February 24, 2022 armstrong siddeley cars for sale armstrong siddeley cars for sale 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. Maybe a little longer. Uncle Phil, however, thinks Lou will again disappoint his son. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. Lou seems hurt by this, but he can't think of anything else to say, and after reflecting for a moment, he quickly walks out without another word. Where does that leave Will? You might notice his hat coming off. Will Smith is, like,sucha good actor. It's a shocking, plainspoken admission of society's privilege, one that gives the character tons of empathy and understanding. Every true Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fan knows the most emotional scene in the entire series. He was born in 1973 in West Philadelphia. Lauderdale, Florida. You understand. Who cares what you think? 1 His First Major Movie Role Was In Six Degrees Of Separation. Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's just not true. I'm Will's father Hilary Banks It was almost like time stood still.. William 'Will' Smith: How come he don't want me, man? You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith After all, given his upbringing, getting threatened by folks packing guns is an unfortunately common part of life. 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. In the episode, Wills father shows up unexpectedly after a 14-year absence. Published Mar 12, 2022. See production, box office & company info, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves].