But there is one episode that stands head and shoulders above the rest. William 'Will' Smith William 'Will' Smith: [shouts] To hell with him! It was also so unexpected. 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. What's up? I'm Will's father Hilary Banks I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. We all knew we were having a great time. 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. While Will and Lou bond at a carnival, Lou tells him that the real reason that he abandoned him was because he was scared of having a kid. Some business came up I gotta handle. I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. 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Phillip understands, and wishes Will the best. Ted's Bio; Fact Sheet; Hoja Informativa Del Ted Fund; Ted Fund Board 2021-22; 2021 Ted Fund Donors; Ted Fund Donors Over the Years. While working at the Los Angeles University student restaurant, Will recognizes a customer - his father - whom he has not seen for 14 years. : But it means, more than ever, we can't lose faith in people. 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. Geoffrey Butler: I am not your Uncle Philip. ignorant of such targeted frissons. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. It was written by David Zuckerman and Bill Boulware, and directed by Shelley Jensen. Will said that. Ain't like I'ma be sitting up every night asking my mom, "When's Daddy coming home? Just cool down. Will is originally from West-Philadelphia but was forced to move soon after participating in a fight with a couple of thugs. 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. Vivian Banks Atlantic records is now hiring content creators. Instead of reading him the riot act, Will is understandably enchanted. Damn, I didn't think a scene from "The Fresh Prince" would hit me that hard. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Firstly, Will Smith's father was very much present during his childhood. : People were crying for a long time when it was over, doing their best not to make noise before the director said cut., I was ten years old. 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. 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). Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? So why did you? Smith would even come out himself and hype up the audience. Geoffrey Butler approaches the door and lets Will in. And I got pretty damn good at it too, didn't I, Uncle Phil? Technical Specs, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves], [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly]. 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. He never even sent me a damn card! 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. : : In the episode, Wills father shows up unexpectedly after a 14-year absence. 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. Will Smith cries remember James Avery during the 'Fresh Prince' reunion special. Carlton Banks William 'Will' Smith You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith Why did it take so long? 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. Will. In fact, the issue with this point of view comes with calling his time a transition in the first place. eegyvudluk pootoogook / stacey and dave forsey net worth / will smith fresh prince dad scene script. She then exits, but not without warning Lou that if he walks out now, he will not be welcome at the Banks mansion again. 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. When we started the series, Will was definitely not there, but he grew as a man and as an actor, he said. The first time I held you, I didn't think I'd ever put you down. : Will Smith: What are you, Robo-Butler, man? You saw the light bulb go off, he said. But Viola is ready to boycott the wedding, and forbid her son from going, too. I started feeling trapped. : 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). Dont act around me, act with me. The advice worked. He resorts to buying a gun himself, ostensibly for protection. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again. 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. It was not one of our best moments, said Zuckerman. : Think back to any emotional scene on Full House. Will then begins to cry and asks Phillip why his father doesn't want him. William 'Will' Smith Philip Banks 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. Wake up, Will. Are you a content creator looking for an opportunity to show your stuff? His character was contending with all the things hed never be and Vereen was deep in that moment. 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! You might notice his hat coming off. will smith fresh prince dad scene scriptanson county warrant list. Or so the widely-spread legend goes. Yeah, you did. Director Shelley Jensen describes this episode as a turning point in Smith's performance, noting his acting improved dramatically after it. 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. So there you have it everyone! I believe it's because of the show's big, beating, sincere, courageous heart. The actor was so convincing in his delivery that the entire audience started crying. Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! Those qualities are all self-weaponized, manifesting in self-destructive ways. Or remember that time Aunt Viv just really wanted to dance? "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,. This is the same guy who didn't think enough of you to pick up the damn phone! Hey, just cool it. 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. Having three Black male actors in an intensely dramatic scene on a comedic series only added to the power of the moment. Philip Banks Smith: Oh, yeah, he was very serious about things being a certain way. I'm sorry. Lauderdale, Florida. Carlton refuses to see his father after this moment of vulnerability and mortality. Then, the waterworks. Relax. 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. 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. That year we won the first Grammy given to a rap artist. (HBO Max) Will recalled the episode where his character's father resurfaces after 14 years. William 'Will' Smith: Hey, why should I be mad? Following Avery's words, Smith pulled off the most iconic and emotional scene in the show's history. The duo was forced to pivot when 'Fresh Prince' came along. William 'Will' Smith: Got through my first date without him, right? Will and Carlton are determined to stop their female family member from having sex, using intercoms and interrogation tactics as devices to get in the way, to claim ownership over Ashley's body, to inherently view a young woman's sexual exploration as robbing her of her "purity." No, you know what, Uncle Phil? The two were locked in that epic embrace when Avery doled out even more encouragement. Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name the Fresh Prince, is an American actor, rapper, and producer.Noted for his work in music, television, and film, Smith has received various accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, four Grammy Awards, and Lou is, indeed, going to walk out of Will's life again, having scammed the Banks family for what he needs. And to do so, he has to leave the building one final time. Carlton is confidently, uniquely himself. : 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. 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. 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. 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. I am Geoffrey, your uncle's butler. 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) . We're doing alright, huh? 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. 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. But in fact, Wills dad was an active participant in his sons life, and even encouraged him. In that final scene, when Lou disappoints Will for the final time, Vereen himself broke down off-camera. 5 Jun. Will's very pleased with this. We were all in the moment. James Avery was relentless on me to elevate. 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. 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." Just lay one brick, dude. (Via). "He kept me in line. 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! Within Smith's oeuvre, the Fresh Prince mode dominates in other roles like Oscar the fish in the animated film Shark Tale and the 1993 movie Made in America. The first time I held you, I didn't think I'd ever put you down. The hell with your father. [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] Uncle Phil helps his nephew find a new California apartment on his own, and he'll continue his collegiate studies in the state, too. At least he said goodbye this time. (Via). Who cares what you think? I was honored to be there at the launch.. : Becoming an actor, model, or performer is tough. He might be leaving this Bel-Air home for good, but this is still the first half of his new life, his new identity. 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.". Zuckerman described Lou as "a guy that just wasn't cut out to be a father.". The three of them were like a range of Black manhood, Boulware said. Release Dates William 'Will' Smith : He's my father. ", 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. Will Smith: Check this - "His royal freshness" - that's dope! Philip and Vivian Banks enter the living room to meet Will. 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 Smith: Yo yo, G, G, G, let me rap to you for a second man. 'Bad Boys For Life', which filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. Will Smith on the series premiere of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." NBC. 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. We went brick by brick for the entire summer and into winter and then back into spring. This article was published more than2 years ago, This week marks the 30th anniversary of the premiere of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the classic 1990s sitcom that transformed a buoyant (and broke) young rapper into Will Smith, blockbuster movie star. R.I.P.James Avery "Uncle Phil" 1948-2014 --ONE OF MY FAV SCENES--THROW BACK! 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. Uncle Phil, his characters influential father figure, is concerned and makes his disgust with Lou known. When my father got out of the Air Force, he started his own refrigeration business. 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. Will Smith helped co-write the script for this scene. The entire show was quiet, even during the funny parts, and I could not figure out why, a Reddit user wrote. A powerful, teachable, simple lesson. 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!" Instead, he laser-focuses on cleaning the house, taking care of everything except himself, feeling genuinely, scarily haunted. Some of the episodes even made us cry. : What millennial doesnt jump to finish the theme songs lyrics when prompted by Innnn West Philadelphia, born and raised? Smith, whose most emotional scenes in the episode are opposite Avery, had to cry on camera for the first time. Geoffrey Butler: If you will follow me, I will show you to your room, Master William. 1 His First Major Movie Role Was In Six Degrees Of Separation. For more onThe Fresh Prince, here's the latest intel on the upcoming reboot. This was the first time the show just went there and stayed there and let it resonate, Zuckerman said of the episodes lasting impact. It's entirely possible that two people named Smith that are completely unrelated could meet, fall in love, and start a family. The Post's Candace Buckner, David Betancourt and Tramel Raggs explore how current demonstrations against racial inequality are echoing memorable sports movies. [shouts] [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly] Grab a hankie, whistle for a cab, and take a trip down memory lane with me. : They were all pretty the same: the dialogue would get cheesy (well, cheesier) and the music, sappy (sappier). Will makes it to the hospital, and even has a laissez-faire gallows sense of humor about the whole ordeal. 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 wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. William 'Will' Smith Now that the building is done, he gets to live in it. Will forgives him and is prepared to give him another chance. Will is thrilled at this news, ready to rekindle his paternal relationship without much skepticism apparent. As of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. 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. And he told us that this was going to be our gig over the summer. William 'Will' Smith : So why did you? 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. 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. Lou Smith : I just wasn't ready to be a father. 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He also played Richard Williams, father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, in King Richard. Filming & Production Will's father is a deadbeat who left him and his mom flat. Papa's Got A Brand New Excuse is the 24th episode of Season 4. Look, I'll call you next week and we'll iron out the details. Lou Smith It's a special series to me, and to so many folks. 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. That awful moment when you learn that this wasnt scripted. 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. Fourteen years and acts like nothing has happened. You might notice his hat coming off. Lou Smith I'm sorry, Will. : 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. Will never, ever, forget.. Because you're my son and I love you. Sometimes, to end an sitcom, you need the main character of your sitcom to look around a now-empty set for the last time, turn off the lights, and leave. WatchMojo: Top 10 "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Moments, NBC Studios - 3000 W. Alameda Avenue, Burbank, California, USA. : I rarely cried for a sitcom, but this is it. Jensen said Avery, who died in 2013, was a driving force on set. Who needs him? One day there was a wall there again. In another interview with Reader's Digest, he explained that his father actually supported his dreams of pursuing a career in music. 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. When Will and Carlton are held up at gunpoint at an ATM, a shot is fired, and Will is the victim. 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 . Ain't like I'ma be sitting up every night asking my mom, "When's Daddy coming home? At first Will seems okay with Lou abandoning him, as at least he said goodbye, but Will now wishes he hadn't spent money on a present for Lou. I was actually at the taping. [pause] 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.