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. 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. This relationship needs to be attended to, now. You know what, Aunt Viv? I remember someDavid Mametquote that said it doesn't matter how good an actor is; if the script is good, the final product is good. Technical Specs, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves], [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly]. Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! But the audience sobbing that you can make out in the background? When Will and Carlton are held up at gunpoint at an ATM, a shot is fired, and Will is the victim. With Wednesday's press night under her belt and a standing ovation to . And Will, in one of the all-time tension diffusers, hypes up his cousin's speech with bravado. Will Smiths acting in it was flawless, the words and script were so real too. : Wills delivery was so perfect it seems like it was in the moment.. Carlton Banks Lou Smith : [to Will] You see, the day you were born was the happiest day of my life. Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. By the time Phil and Viv show up to bail them out, and for Phil to deliver a typically fiery speech about what justice should look like in this country (delivered to a particularly weaselly-looking Hank Azaria), the damage is done. Lou Smith At least he said goodbye this time. When my father got out of the Air Force, he started his own refrigeration business. I am Geoffrey, your uncle's butler. But there is one episode that stands head and shoulders above the rest. It's entirely possible that two people named Smith that are completely unrelated could meet, fall in love, and start a family. This episode, and especially this scene, tends to prove Mr. Mamet wrong. 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! It was not one of our best moments, said Zuckerman. One day there was a wall there again. 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 She expresses her worries for Janice "as an African-American woman" for whom life has already stacked the deck against. ", you know. But much of white America remained (remains?) 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. [He] wouldnt give me a damn inch, said Smith in a 2018 interview with podcast Rap Radar. : Will Smith said he improvised his character's piano moment in the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" pilot. Olivia Singh. William 'Will' Smith: I ain't need him then and I don't need him now. Man, I'm glad you're here. We were standing there thinking, There will never, ever, be a wall here again. 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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. But Viola is ready to boycott the wedding, and forbid her son from going, too. The most effective and illuminating emotional reaction to this doesn't orient around Will, however at least not directly. 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? Carlton refuses to see his father after this moment of vulnerability and mortality. I believe it's because of the show's big, beating, sincere, courageous heart. Philip Banks Will says in one episode, while the camera tilts up to literally show the studio lights). But Avery eventually calmed Smith down by telling him, Its already in there, you know what it is. It's a simple trick, perhaps best-known in the final moments ofCheers. Reply . You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith Now that the building is done, he gets to live in it. Nov 11, 2021, 12:36 PM. You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. By Awa | 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. 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. Then, the waterworks. I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. The show retains an important place in pop culture. And when it digs into this core, it doesn't need silly jokes. Just lay one brick, dude. (Via). 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. The story behind the episode is almost as good as the episode itself. Just cool down. Ain't like I'ma be sitting up every night asking my mom, "When's Daddy coming home? However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. Whatever. It was almost like time stood still.. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1), Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2). It was that specific episode for me as a director [that] I saw him connect and make it work. When we started the series, Will was definitely not there, but he grew as a man and as an actor, he said. attentiveness vs attention will smith fresh prince dad scene script. [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] Uncle Phil grabs Will and hugs him fiercely, as he wished his father would. 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. (HBO Max) Will recalled the episode where his character's father resurfaces after 14 years. 1 His First Major Movie Role Was In Six Degrees Of Separation. Lauderdale, Florida. You know what? (Via), Smith: My father was in the military, so everything was really regimented.. : Philip and Vivian Banks enter the living room to meet Will. [3] 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. I understand. She thought college was the only way. He uses his emotions like an instrument, starting as strong as he can, until it can't help but fracture and fall. It originally aired on May 9, 1994. 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. are heading to New England themselves to be closer to their family. I started feeling trapped. A powerful, teachable, simple lesson. Will then, becoming a touch of a father figure himself, must set his cousin straight. Will Smith: Check this - "His royal freshness" - that's dope! 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. The two were locked in that epic embrace when Avery doled out even more encouragement. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. His character was contending with all the things hed never be and Vereen was deep in that moment. : : Philip Banks 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. Like, James Avery wouldnt give me a damn inch, the actor recalled on TIDALs Rap Radar podcast series. Will did not like it at all. Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. William 'Will' Smith: No, you know what, Uncle Phil? Look no further than Atlantic Records' $125/Day Fort. : 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. [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. 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. 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 . 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!" Fourteen. 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. 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. Ben Vereen (Lou) stated in an interview that he broke into tears himself after walking out of the camera shot. Whew, that was deep, Vereen said. Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? All of the Banks are planning on leaving their palatial Bel-Air estate, which we've gotten to know and love over six seasons. We were all in the moment. William 'Will' Smith: You know what? [pause] (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. Behind the scenes, the episode was also meant to showcase Smiths dramatic acting chops. You are not my father! I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. Published Feb 2, 2021. William 'Will' Smith : So why did you? Lou Smith 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. 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. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Relax. Grab a hankie, whistle for a cab, and take a trip down memory lane with me. Uncle Phil helps his nephew find a new California apartment on his own, and he'll continue his collegiate studies in the state, too. 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. Dont act around me, act with me. The advice worked. Smith and his musical partner DJ Jazzy Jeff were already big names on the hip-hop scene when the Fresh Prince opportunity presented itself. 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.". I know my dad had been planning this for a long time. It was written by David Zuckerman and Bill Boulware, and directed by Shelley Jensen. 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 In honor ofThe Fresh Prince's 30th anniversary, here are the 10 best times the sitcom got serious throughout its run, in chronological order. I worked my ass off trying to keep him in line! : Will never, ever, forget. The duo was forced to pivot when 'Fresh Prince' came along. : Look at me, use me. The much-acclaimed show recently completed its 30th anniversary. Will makes it to the hospital, and even has a laissez-faire gallows sense of humor about the whole ordeal. This pages comprises the full verbal transcript of the first episode of Season 1 - The Fresh Prince Project . Wills father introduces himself as Lou Smith, which would mean that Violas (Wills mother) married name is 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). The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. You saw the light bulb go off, he said. Use me. William 'Will' Smith Thing is, hes not really acting here much of Wills speech was ad-libbed and based on his own traumatic childhood. There are around 148 episodes over six seasons, but one episode titled Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse made many fans emotional. Firstly, Will Smith's father was very much present during his childhood. Uncle Phil, that is not cool, the way you dissing my father like that. William 'Will' Smith Vivian Banks Both parties have lots to positively learn about each other. Smith: Oh, yeah, he was very serious about things being a certain way. As of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. : For survival, please dont marry this man.". 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. Are you a content creator looking for an opportunity to show your stuff? You understand. ', 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 that specific episode? What's up? "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,. Excuse me, bring the horses around would you, ha! Here's the Tumblr version of events that we've come to believe as the truth: The latter is a secondary part (Whoopi . : Hey, why should I be mad? I'm ready to be part of your life if you'll let me. The entire show was quiet, even during the funny parts, and I could not figure out why, a Reddit user wrote. He's joyful, performative, and cares not what others think about him. [takes out a small statue of a father sitting with his son on his lap]. Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil!