Will Smith cries remember James Avery during the 'Fresh Prince' reunion special. Geoffrey Butler approaches the door and lets Will in. And insists that Carlton leaves the gun behind immediately. Oh yeah, I don't think so. The Banks, especially Uncle Phil, see through Lou's. I'm sorry. But that specific episode? Published Feb 2, 2021. 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 . Lou Smith 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. 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. So there you have it everyone! Philip Banks 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. 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. The Truth Behind 'Fresh Prince's' Most Emotional Scene - TheThings You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. Know the story behind Will Smith's iconic 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Regrettably,The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airis full of fat-shaming jokes, particularly from Will toward Uncle Phil (and in one entire episode, they bring on royal guest starQueen Latifahjust to have her be a learning moment that overweight people have feelings too; Latifah and Smith sell the material, of course, but there's definitely a lack of depth in the exploration, which I guess means Mametwasright). : By Awa | He also played Richard Williams, father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, in King Richard. 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. 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. I rarely cried for a sitcom, but this is it. He loves dancing, especially to Tom Jonesand theSugarhill Gang. : However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. But Carlton is actually, literally Phil's son. Papas Got a Brand New Excuse was a watershed 23 minutes for the situational comedy, which, until that moment, hadnt fully explored the emotional depths of Smiths character. : It was Avery, always the steady influence, that centered him, giving the rapper turned movie star memorable advice. Will Smith Improvised 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Piano Scene - Insider Will Smith: Oh, my fault, man. Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Aunt Vivs Janet Hubert and Daphne Maxwell Reid return alongside the rest of the cast for HBO Max's unscripted 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion. When Will was five years old, he was abandoned by his father, Lou, leaving his mother, Viola, to raise him in poverty. The entire temperature of the room shifts. Here's What James Avery Secretly Whispered To Will Smith During 'Fresh Lou Smith : I just wasn't ready to be a father. In another interview with Reader's Digest, he explained that his father actually supported his dreams of pursuing a career in music. I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airwas, and continues to be, a breath of fresh air. This wasnt the physical comedy at which Smith the rapper excelled. 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. In the episode, Wills father shows up unexpectedly after a 14-year absence. Now, let's get to the bottom of this rumor. [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. I knew it was good, good television and it was really special.. That he has no idea what life on the streets is like. February 24, 2022 armstrong siddeley cars for sale armstrong siddeley cars for sale The entire show was quiet, even during the funny parts, and I could not figure out why. 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. She thought college was the only way. 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. Philip Banks: I'm sorry. : And when it digs into this core, it doesn't need silly jokes. Smith has given all the credit to Avery for helping him get through that moment. We tried to make him not a bad guy sympathetic, explained Zuckerman, who wrote Papas Got a Brand New Excuse with veteran TV writer Bill Boulware after an initially disastrous table read of a different script had cast Wills father, Lou (to be played by Broadway alum Ben Vereen), as a pool shark who breezes into town. 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. As such, "Mistaken Identity" served (serves?) Company Credits The hell with your father. 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. While the legend that Smith ad-libbed much of the scene based on his troubled relationship with his actual father is probably false, the sobbing was not. Fourteen. Published Mar 12, 2022. Ashleys first date with R&B princeling Tevin Campbell? 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. But hes a better parental figure than his actual dad, who lets his son down again. People were crying for a long time when it was over, doing their best not to make noise before the director said cut.". Home; About. I was actually at the taping. And, thankfully, I don't think it's any big spoiler to reveal that Viola does come around and attend the wedding after all thanks to a wonderful speech delivered by Will to his mother, a representation of the hope of future generations changing established patterns and prejudices for the better. It's a simple trick, perhaps best-known in the final moments ofCheers. Will Smith is, like,sucha good actor. Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. : Washington Post Retrospective on the episode. You understand. I worked my ass off trying to keep him in line! : Olivia Singh. 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. 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. The much-acclaimed show recently completed its 30th anniversary. She then exits, but not without warning Lou that if he walks out now, he will not be welcome at the Banks mansion again. Nov 11, 2021, 12:36 PM. There had been a lot of interest in an episode about Wills dad, according to Fresh Prince writer David Zuckerman, given that the entire premise of the show was based on Will being sent to live with his rich aunt and uncle because his mother, raising him alone, wants him out of their rough neighborhood. They were all pretty the same: the dialogue would get cheesy (well, cheesier) and the music, sappy (sappier). The 'Fresh Prince Of Bel Air' Father Episode Aired 25 Years - UPROXX This pages comprises the full verbal transcript of the first episode of Season 1 - The Fresh Prince Project. Having three Black male actors in an intensely dramatic scene on a comedic series only added to the power of the moment. "Being Black isn't what I'm trying to be, it's what I am," says Carlton, plainly, making sure Top Dog knows he's the real sellout before leaving. He's now his own person, living in his new life, that he himself built this whole time. : Will Smith described the scene where Will breaks down as one of his most difficult as a young actor, as he was unsure if he was able to properly convey the right emotions. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. Will and his dad, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr., remained on good terms until he passed away in November 2016. Hey, just cool it. 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. By Season 4 of The Fresh Prince, Will and Carlton have graduated from high school and are now beginning their college studies. He resorts to buying a gun himself, ostensibly for protection. Lou Smith And yet. [pause] Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? James Avery was relentlessly on me to elevate. (HBO Max) Will recalled the episode where his character's father resurfaces after 14 years. will smith fresh prince dad scene script - nakedeyeballs.com 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. How Many Of These 90s One Hit Wonders Can You Name. Will Smith said he improvised his character's piano moment in the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" pilot. Every true Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fan knows the most emotional scene in the entire series. He eradicates the box of one proper Black identity not with force, but with precision. Just cool down. Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. WatchMojo: Top 10 "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Moments, NBC Studios - 3000 W. Alameda Avenue, Burbank, California, USA. But then, in an all-time line reading, Will simply asks his uncle, "How come he don't want me, man?" But before all that, he was a sitcom star, someone who, it would not have been foolhardy to assume, couldnt handle more dramatic material. One day there was a wall there again. Will is at the Peacock when he sees a man staring at him. : Will Smith's on screen evolution, from 'Fresh Prince' to 'King Richard There is no funny outtake of the cast messing up their lines. Philip Banks 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! 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. . While hes hugging me, he whispers in my ear, 'Thats f---ing acting right there, recalled Smith, who also revealed the motivation behind that performance. Phillip understands, and wishes Will the best. Baker is the husband-to-be of Janice (Charlayne Woodard), who's set to be married in the Banks' spacious Bel-Air backyard if Will's mother Viola (Verne Watson-Johnson) doesn't blow a gasket first. During an average taping, The Fresh Prince set was like a raucous football stadium. We see this formative piece of growing up reacted to in two different ways a very problematic one, that happens to be driven by two leading men; and an incredibly sensitive, sincere, and real one, that happens to be driven by two leading women. as a startling wake-up call, albeit one couched in comfort, comedy, and familiar class dynamics. It's tricky to reckon with "Just Say Yo" with modern eyes. It was selfish and cowardly, but that's what I did. 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. What's up? He uses his emotions like an instrument, starting as strong as he can, until it can't help but fracture and fall. ", The Real Story Behind the Most Heartbreaking Scene in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air'. The show retains an important place in pop culture. 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. The Fresh Princeis unbelievably silly, no doubt, with its oft-arch performances and willingness to surreally break the fourth wall ("How come we can't afford ceilings?" This film was the first movie he ever worked on, and this really helped him make the giant leap from being a TV actor to a film actor. William 'Will' Smith So we're gonna have to put our trip on hold. (One year later, Rodney King's beating by police will spark a series of protests and clashes in Los Angeles.) 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?" Will forgives him and is prepared to give him another chance. Its already in there, you know what it is. Come tomorrow, I'm out of here. Looking for Disney, Game of Thrones, or Marvel movie casting calls? Who needs him? Did he actually accomplish anything during this time living with his upper-class relatives? Phillip asks Vivian to allow him to talk to Lou in private, and Vivian agrees, on the condition that he doesn't hit Lou because she wouldn't want to miss that! Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's just not true. 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. The story behind the episode is almost as good as the episode itself. Thing is, hes not really acting here much of Wills speech was ad-libbed and based on his own traumatic childhood. 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. Dont act around me, act with me. The advice worked. But Top Dog makes the opposite decision, deciding that WIll is more "authentically Black," calling Carlton a "sellout.". Philip Banks 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. The thing I connect to is: I do not have to build a perfect wall today. Ain't like I'ma be sitting up every night asking my mom, "When's Daddy coming home? And Uncle Phil, in the first of Avery's many perfect performances, sets him straight. Smith rarely resorts to out-and-out anger in his Fresh Prince performances, but we see it here, and it is warranted. (Video: The Washington Post). Will Smith: I once cursed out an NBC exec on 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Lou Smith Philip Banks: [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] I'm sorry, Will. Oh, come on. Maybe a little longer. Look at me, use me. And then, Viola enters. 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. When Will and Carlton are held up at gunpoint at an ATM, a shot is fired, and Will is the victim. And Will, in one of the all-time tension diffusers, hypes up his cousin's speech with bravado. 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. But the audience sobbing that you can make out in the background? Director Shelley Jensen describes this episode as a turning point in Smith's performance, noting his acting improved dramatically after it. 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. Who cares what you think? I am Geoffrey, your uncle's butler. [to Will] Speaking of "Will's father is out of the picture". Lauderdale music video casting call in Fort. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. When my father got out of the Air Force, he started his own refrigeration business. William 'Will' Smith: How come he don't want me, man? Those qualities I assigned Carlton regarding the previous episode? I was honored to be there at the launch.. Lou Smith The fatherhood episode was pivotal, Jensen added, because it marked Smiths arrival as a force to be reckoned with. Will Smith: Check this - "His royal freshness" - that's dope! Will, it's all right to be angry. Will's father is a deadbeat who left him and his mom flat. Smith and his musical partner DJ Jazzy Jeff were already big names on the hip-hop scene when the Fresh Prince opportunity presented itself. Reply . Will's father Lou shows up after 14 years and spends a lot of time with Will. In honor ofThe Fresh Prince's 30th anniversary, here are the 10 best times the sitcom got serious throughout its run, in chronological order. Young Ashley Banks (Tatyana Ali) is growing up. Classic Black sitcoms like Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Living Single are finally streaming. While working at the Los Angeles University student restaurant, Will recognizes a customer - his father - whom he has not seen for 14 years. : You too Lou. Okay? Will makes it to the hospital, and even has a laissez-faire gallows sense of humor about the whole ordeal. The Real Story Behind the Most Heartbreaking Scene in 'The Fresh Prince Is Viola's reaction mere prejudice, plainly spoken? The first one went extremely well while the second album, not so much. If you listen closely, you can hear Karyn Parsons (Hilary) crying backstage. Philip Banks Whew, that was deep, Vereen said. Will Smith recalls iconic "how come he don't want me" scene + Being pushed by James Avery Streaming Black 3.83K subscribers Subscribe 3.3M views 4 years ago Black Press Media Group, July 2018. Philip and Vivian Banks enter the living room to meet Will. When the time has come for Top Dog to choose his new candidate, Carlton assumes he'll get picked, and Will's foolishness will not be tolerated. : 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. I didn't know there was so many brothers living in the neighborhood. And I'm a different man now. And, all of these qualities are challenged directly in "Blood Is Thicker Than Mud," a standout episode for Alfonso Ribeiro. He waltzes in here after 15 years? You saw the light bulb go off, he said. Smith would even come out himself and hype up the audience. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! [long pause as Will struggles to regain his composure]. Jensen said Avery, who died in 2013, was a driving force on set. William 'Will' Smith Originally airing from 1990 to 1996 for six seasons, the sitcom brokeWill Smiththrough to superstardom in a series of episodes articulating his transition from life on the mean streets of West Philadelphia to life in the palatial mansions of Bel-Air (hmm, if only there was a catchy summary of this inciting incident). Episode director Shelley Jensen worked on the series for all six seasons and watched Smith, who started the show at 21, go from novice to supernova. : 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 says in one episode, while the camera tilts up to literally show the studio lights). Sheridan Smith beamed as she left the Duke of York's Theatre in London on Thursday after her West End show, Shirley Valentine. We were all in the moment. Smith, playing a version of himself, lives with his extended family, and everyone lives, learns, laughs, loves, and grows with each other. However Vivian has previously stated that hers, violas, Helens and Janices maiden name is Smith. Much of "Not with My Cousin You Don't," as you might guess by the title, is predicated on icky gender-role shenanigans. Relax. All of the Banks are planning on leaving their palatial Bel-Air estate, which we've gotten to know and love over six seasons. And when Carlton does buck up and speak to his father, vulnerability and everything, it's simply stunning television. (Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock.com), Game Brain Starring Will Smith Open Casting Call, Watch DWTS Alfonso Ribiero Get Jiggy Wit It to Will Smiths Hit Song, Will Smith Quits the Movie Brilliance Weeks Before Production. ", "He kept me in line. William 'Will' Smith He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again," wrote Reddit user RajanKian, who was at the taping of the show. 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. Becoming an actor, model, or performer is tough. William 'Will' Smith 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. 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. Daddy-O! At least he said goodbye this time. will smith fresh prince dad scene script After landing a role on Fresh Prince, Will also snagged a leading role in the 1993 film adaptation of Six Degrees of Separation. The 'Fresh Prince' Deadbeat Dad Reflects On Heartbreaking Scene With How come he dont want me, man? Will asks, lip quivering as he starts to break down and cry. You might notice his hat coming off. 11 Best New Shows on Netflix: March 2023's Top Upcoming Series to Watch I'm ready to be part of your life if you'll let me. Grab a hankie, whistle for a cab, and take a trip down memory lane with me. James Avery was relentless on me to elevate. Will Smith | The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air | Fandom The entire show was quiet, even during the funny parts, and I could not figure out why, a Reddit user wrote. The Best Serious Moments in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' - Collider The rest of the series includes commentary about Black relationships with the police (think DJ Jazzy Jeffinstinctually putting his hands up when a bailiff asks him to swear to tell the truth in court), but here, it did so explicitly and explosively. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! The latter is a secondary part (Whoopi . 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. Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's just not true. : are heading to New England themselves to be closer to their family. And, it lets Will have a "not what he seems" moment, too; when Uncle Phil leaves the room after this chat, he notices Will playing Beethovenon the piano. Ain't even nothing to talk about. 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