No, you know what, Uncle Phil? He's my father. 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. Some of the episodes even made us cry. During an average taping, The Fresh Prince set was like a raucous football stadium. Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's just not true. For four years, I treated that boy like my own son. And Uncle Phil, in the first of Avery's many perfect performances, sets him straight. Adding, "You might notice his hat coming off. 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. In fact, the issue with this point of view comes with calling his time a transition in the first place. We went brick by brick for the entire summer and into winter and then back into spring. Will knows the truth, however that these cops will take any chance they can get to subjugate two young Black men, especially given that they're driving a "stolen car." He made a mistake. Will then launches into an emotional rant about how he learned to do things growing up without Lou and how he will continue to live his life and be successful without Lou, including being a better father than Lou was, and Lou especially can't teach him anything about how to be a father. But smack-dab in the middle of this episode lies a beautiful one-on-one conversation, one of the best ever produced duringFresh Prince's run. Olivia Singh. Who cares what you think? 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 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. How Many Of These 90s One Hit Wonders Can You Name. . 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". He's now his own person, living in his new life, that he himself built this whole time. ', 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. Will Smith helped co-write the script for this scene. 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. That happened. Firstly, Will Smith's father was very much present during his childhood. I'm Will's father Hilary Banks Now, let's get to the bottom of this rumor. The most effective and illuminating emotional reaction to this doesn't orient around Will, however at least not directly. 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). 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. In the episode, Wills father shows up unexpectedly after a 14-year absence. William 'Will' Smith I might have been 12 and my brother 9 when one day he decided he wanted a new front wall at his shop. I started feeling trapped. We agreed that I would take a year making music, and if it did not work out, I would go to college. 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Philip Banks William 'Will' Smith : So why did you? He rages at his cousin about the futility of violence and revenge. : 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.". Lou Smith When they express how this is going to crush Will, Lou asks Phillip and Vivian to break the news to Will. 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. 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. Will Smith on the series premiere of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." NBC. : Ain't even nothing to talk about. And yet. 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. : 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. Fourteen. Filled with investments. When Will and Carlton are held up at gunpoint at an ATM, a shot is fired, and Will is the victim. Uncle Phil, however, is worried that Will's father will simply disappoint Will again and disappoint Will he does. Sheridan Smith beamed as she left the Duke of York's Theatre in London on Thursday after her West End show, Shirley Valentine. And when Carlton does buck up and speak to his father, vulnerability and everything, it's simply stunning television. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #freshprienceofbelair, #freshprinceofbelairscene, #fresh_prince_of . However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir Will that the relationship was occasionally turbulent due to his father's abuse of his mother. 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. I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. However Vivian has previously stated that hers, violas, Helens and Janices maiden name is Smith. But during filming of this episode, director Jensen likened the mood of the normally wild show to being in church.. [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly] Philip Banks Official Sites Ashleys first date with R&B princeling Tevin Campbell? I know my dad had been planning this for a long time. What millennial doesnt jump to finish the theme songs lyrics when prompted by Innnn West Philadelphia, born and raised? 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. Because you're my son and I love you. : Will and his dad, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr., remained on good terms until he passed away in November 2016. Youwillcry at the acapella song the family sings over the credits. After the following perfect take, which made it into the final episode, Avery whispered in Smith's ear during Will and Uncle Phil's hug, "That's fucking acting right there. Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's just not true. Its already in there, you know what it is. William 'Will' Smith : He's my father. Washington Post Retrospective on the episode. Smith has given all the credit to Avery for helping him get through that moment. Lauderdale, Florida. We're doing alright, huh? Let's refresh our memories: "Papa's Got A Brand New Excuse," the 24th episode of the fourth season, is arguably the saddest moment of the entire series. Atlantic records is now hiring content creators. I learned how to drive, I learned how to shave, I learned how to fight without him. This was the first time the show just went there and stayed there and let it resonate, Zuckerman said of the episodes lasting impact. 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. Fresh Prince wasnt a show that had done serious moments. Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. Smith was known for his clean lyrics, and his hits were . Instead, he laser-focuses on cleaning the house, taking care of everything except himself, feeling genuinely, scarily haunted. Look, I'll call you next week and we'll iron out the details. But hes a better parental figure than his actual dad, who lets his son down again. Philip Banks Avery, a trained Shakespearean actor, represented the strong father figure; Smith, four years into his first acting gig, the young man coming into his own manhood; and Vereen, a theater vet, was a man lost. WatchMojo: Top 10 "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Moments, NBC Studios - 3000 W. Alameda Avenue, Burbank, California, USA. : 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. But Top Dog makes the opposite decision, deciding that WIll is more "authentically Black," calling Carlton a "sellout.". Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Speaking of "Will's father is out of the picture". I just wasn't ready to be a father. William 'Will' Smith Just for a couple of weeks. Look, why are you telling me this now? He eradicates the box of one proper Black identity not with force, but with precision. At least he said goodbye this time. We were standing there thinking, There will never, ever, be a wall here again. William 'Will' Smith Oct 20, 2017. 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. Published Mar 12, 2022. Lou Smith Ashley asks her if she was nervous, and Hilary responds that she absolutely was, but she "was ready." It's a brilliantly played scene, rife with warmth and gentility even as they discuss tricky stuff. : 2019 Ted Fund Donors 'Bad Boys For Life', which filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. That awful moment when you learn that this wasnt scripted. And he told us that this was going to be our gig over the summer. There are around 148 episodes over six seasons, but one episode titled Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse made many fans emotional. But Viola is ready to boycott the wedding, and forbid her son from going, too. He said, Now, dont you all ever tell me theres something you cant do. And he walked into the shop. He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again," wrote Reddit user RajanKian, who was at the taping of the show. (Video: The Washington Post). The first time I held you, I didn't think I'd ever put you down. Look at me, use me. And when it digs into this core, it doesn't need silly jokes. But before all that, he was a sitcom star, someone who, it would not have been foolhardy to assume, couldnt handle more dramatic material. 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. 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. 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." Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1), Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2). Come tomorrow, I'm out of here. Geoffrey Butler approaches the door and lets Will in. Oh yeah, I don't think so. Whew, that was deep, Vereen said. 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. He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again. William 'Will' Smith 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. The episode title is a reference to the James Brown song. 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. It was that specific episode for me as a director [that] I saw him connect and make it work. The entire temperature of the room shifts. 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. Those qualities I assigned Carlton regarding the previous episode? Or Hillarys Playboy spread? I told my parents I wanted to rap. ", The Real Story Behind the Most Heartbreaking Scene in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air'. Will is thrilled at this news, ready to rekindle his paternal relationship without much skepticism apparent. But in fact, Wills dad was an active participant in his sons life, and even encouraged him. Smith: Oh, yeah, he was very serious about things being a certain way. 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!" Before this scene, Will Smith disappeared. Here's the Tumblr version of events that we've come to believe as the truth: Lauderdale music video casting call in Fort. Will Smiths acting in it was flawless, the words and script were so real too. William 'Will' Smith (Via), Smith: My father was in the military, so everything was really regimented.. : 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. Will is originally from West-Philadelphia but was forced to move soon after participating in a fight with a couple of thugs. : 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. Dont act around me, act with me. The advice worked. How you doin'? 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 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. Filming & Production The two collapse into an embrace. Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. ", you know. At least he said goodbye this time. The trend of very special anti-drug family sitcom episodes was inspired explicitly byNancy Reagan, to the point where she literally appeared in an episode ofDiff'rent Strokesto deliver her anti-drug screed, and the relationship between the Reagan administration, drugs, and the Black community is a vile one to study (making the interpolation of "Just Say No" as "Just Say Yo" feel particularly gross). You know what? It's tricky to reckon with "Just Say Yo" with modern eyes. For survival, please dont marry this man.". 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. Instead, it shows slides of the end credits. [He] wouldnt give me a damn inch, said Smith in a 2018 interview with podcast Rap Radar. This wasnt the physical comedy at which Smith the rapper excelled. Lou Smith Find talent. Man, I'm glad you're here. 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. Will never, ever, forget. ", "He kept me in line. [long pause as Will struggles to regain his composure]. During the episode, Will reunites with his father, Lou, who was absent from his life for 14 years. They said, Rap? My mother graduated from Carnegie Mellon. She then exits, but not without warning Lou that if he walks out now, he will not be welcome at the Banks mansion again. The idea was to have Wills father come back and leave again, disappointing his only son for a second time. 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? 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. : Is Viola's reaction mere prejudice, plainly spoken? However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. 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. But these are all catchy seasonings to a fundamentally kind, responsible, and curious main dish. Everything I said, everything I did for James Avery was like nope, not good enough. Avery demanded absolute committed perfection from his young co-star, so when it came time to shoot the scene together, Im messing up the lines because I want it so bad, Smith recalled. Smith would even come out himself and hype up the audience. Before this scene, Will Smith disappeared. : Got through my first date without him, right? He's fond of structure, of status, of systems. : The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airwas, and continues to be, a breath of fresh air. Did he actually accomplish anything during this time living with his upper-class relatives? : How come he don't want me, man? : Wills father introduces himself as Lou Smith, which would mean that Violas (Wills mother) married name is smith. Philip Banks William 'Will' Smith: How come he don't want me, man? James Avery (Uncle Phil) is also visibly in tears. That he heard Malcolm X, whom Will had deified earlier in the episode, speak in person. 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. 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. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a 1990s sitcom that stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself. 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. Lou Smith : I just wasn't ready to be a father. Yeah, you did. [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. Dont act around me, act with me, Smith recalled Avery saying. 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. And finally, just like any great play, she tells her sister Janice what's really going on. Smith said that he was originally supposed to sit at the bench and reflect on his uncle's words. William 'Will' Smith: Got through my first date without him, right? Will is at the Peacock when he sees a man staring at him. Are you a content creator looking for an opportunity to show your stuff? | 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. I started feeling trapped.
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