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. Yeah, whatever. 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. Geoffrey Butler: Master William, walk this way. Prior to 'Fresh Prince' both Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff were set on releasing albums. Both parties have lots to positively learn about each other. 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. 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. You understand. Will is thrilled at this news, ready to rekindle his paternal relationship without much skepticism apparent. : 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. Lou Smith Look at me, use me. I worked my ass off trying to keep him in line! Vivian Banks Uncle Phil, that is not cool, the way you dissing my father like that. In its six seasons on NBC, the series a grittier version of The Cosby Show that juxtaposed hip-hop culture with Black upper-class ethos tackled everything from racism to sexism to a two-step dubbed the Carlton.. 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. Behind the scenes, the episode was also meant to showcase Smiths dramatic acting chops. [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. You know what? Ashley asks her if she was nervous, and Hilary responds that she absolutely was, but she "was ready." Will Smith said he improvised his character's piano moment in the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" pilot. She then exits, but not without warning Lou that if he walks out now, he will not be welcome at the Banks mansion again. "I did not make the rules, but I do know how to play the game. 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. Firstly, Will Smith's father was very much present during his 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. The most effective and illuminating emotional reaction to this doesn't orient around Will, however at least not directly. Damn, I didn't think a scene from "The Fresh Prince" would hit me that hard. Geoffrey Butler: I am not your Uncle Philip. This wasnt the physical comedy at which Smith the rapper excelled. The much-acclaimed show recently completed its 30th anniversary. This pages comprises the full verbal transcript of the first episode of Season 1 - The Fresh Prince Project. The show begins with Will Smith at the door singing and knocking on the door. William 'Will' Smith However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir Will that the relationship was occasionally turbulent due to his father's abuse of his mother. You know what, Aunt Viv? People were crying for a long time when it was over, doing their best not to make noise before the director said cut.". Did he actually accomplish anything during this time living with his upper-class relatives? Excuse me, bring the horses around would you, ha! That he heard Malcolm X, whom Will had deified earlier in the episode, speak in person. 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. Will did not like it at all. You probably remember the goofy dancing scenes and guest appearances from DJ Jazzy Jeff, but every so often, The Fresh Prince would attempt something legitimately poignant. Will's father Lou shows up after 14 years and spends a lot of time with Will. I'm sorry that everybody can't be as perfect as you, Uncle Phil, but if I can forgive him, how come you can't? 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. I agree so much . 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. He just had that acting power that I wanted to have.. Philip Banks Speaking of "Will's father is out of the picture". 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. It's a stunning piece of performance that lays the groundwork for the series' deft juggling of silliness and sincerity perfectly. For more onThe Fresh Prince, here's the latest intel on the upcoming reboot. But Viola is ready to boycott the wedding, and forbid her son from going, too. I am Geoffrey, your uncle's butler. And then, Viola enters. Director Shelley Jensen describes this episode as a turning point in Smith's performance, noting his acting improved dramatically after it. During filming, the studio was completely silent a rarity for a comedy with a live audience. 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." Man, I'm glad you're here. : It was that specific episode for me as a director [that] I saw him connect and make it work. 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. However Vivian has previously stated that hers, violas, Helens and Janices maiden name is Smith. He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again. 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. Fourteen years and acts like nothing has happened. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. Atlantic records is now hiring content creators. : I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. It kinda stinks, is what I'm saying, even when these two male knuckleheads eventually learn their lesson. What millennial doesnt jump to finish the theme songs lyrics when prompted by Innnn West Philadelphia, born and raised? William 'Will' Smith "Before this scene, Will Smith disappeared. : : When Will and Carlton are held up at gunpoint at an ATM, a shot is fired, and Will is the victim. But during filming of this episode, director Jensen likened the mood of the normally wild show to being in church.. Smith would even come out himself and hype up the audience. James Avery was relentless on me to elevate. flips the racial dynamics, bringing home a white husband (an atypically suave Diedrich Bader) to upset the extended Banks family. The show retains an important place in pop culture. It was also so unexpected. 'Bad Boys For Life', which filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. Will's very pleased with this. 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. However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir. William 'Will' Smith: Hey, why should I be mad? 2019 Ted Fund Donors But Carlton is actually, literally Phil's son. During an average taping, The Fresh Prince set was like a raucous football stadium. : 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. We were standing there thinking, There will never, ever, be a wall here again. Will says in one episode, while the camera tilts up to literally show the studio lights). 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 never even sent me a damn card! William 'Will' Smith: How come he don't want me, man? Philip Banks On the eve of Janice's wedding, a group of Banks women gather in the kitchen, unable to sleep, to snack on wedding treats and chat. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was one of our favorite shows while growing up in the 90s. His and Boulwares new script recast Lou as a troubled trucker and a guy that just wasnt cut out to be a father., Vereen, who was overjoyed to join the cast for May sweeps week, remembers feeling something special. Now that the building is done, he gets to live in it. Ashleys first date with R&B princeling Tevin Campbell? Ain't like I'ma be sitting up every night asking my mom, "When's Daddy coming home? William 'Will' Smith Adding, "You might notice his hat coming off. I had always been interested in shows with fathers, because I grew up with a single parent, he said. William 'Will' Smith: Got through my first date without him, right? I told my parents I wanted to rap. : Thing is, hes not really acting here much of Wills speech was ad-libbed and based on his own traumatic childhood. He made a mistake. But in fact, Wills dad was an active participant in his sons life, and even encouraged him. 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". 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. It's a shocking, plainspoken admission of society's privilege, one that gives the character tons of empathy and understanding. 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. (Via), Smith: My father was in the military, so everything was really regimented.. Philip, for God's sake. But Avery eventually calmed Smith down by telling him, Its already in there, you know what it is. Yeah, you did. He eradicates the box of one proper Black identity not with force, but with precision. 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. [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. : His father, who had left him years before, claims he is finally ready to become a part of Will's life, again. Ain't even nothing to talk about. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. As such, "Mistaken Identity" served (serves?) Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. : Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's just not true. 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. 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. Now, let's get to the bottom of this rumor. Before this scene, Will Smith disappeared. He tore the old one down it was probably 16 feet high and 40 feet long. I started feeling trapped. : As of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. But hes a better parental figure than his actual dad, who lets his son down again. Lou Smith : [to Will] You see, the day you were born was the happiest day of my life. For survival, please dont marry this man.". Wisely, his apology tends to stay out of the socioeconomic implications of drugs, and more into the personal point of view of "I am a member of this family who has hurt another member of this family." [shouts] : Some of the episodes even made us cry. Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. William 'Will' Smith No, you know what, Uncle Phil? 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! 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." Much of "Not with My Cousin You Don't," as you might guess by the title, is predicated on icky gender-role shenanigans. Why did it take so long? However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. Will William 'Will' Smith [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] The three of them were like a range of Black manhood, Boulware said. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. Nov 11, 2021, 12:36 PM. 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. 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. Geoffrey Butler: If you will follow me, I will show you to your room, Master William. Will Smith: Check this - "His royal freshness" - that's dope! | Has this period, reactionary and transitory in intention, ended with an anticlimactic ellipses rather than an emphatic exclamation? How come he dont want me, man? Will asks, lip quivering as he starts to break down and cry. Philip Banks Published Feb 2, 2021. I learned how to drive, I learned how to shave, I learned how to fight without him. : : HD1080p WILL'S DAD EMOTIONAL SAD SCENE ON THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIRNEW 2013 OF. : Lou Smith This leaves Phil and Will alone, and leaves Will the opportunity to spill out all of his feelings about his absent father. Let's come up with something better that you can call me. Will is at the Peacock when he sees a man staring at him. 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 . 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. Who cares what you think? I've been waiting for this for a long time, my whole life and ain't nobody gonna stop me. Discover short videos related to fresh prince of bel air father scene on TikTok. And he told us that this was going to be our gig over the summer. We agreed that I would take a year making music, and if it did not work out, I would go to college. You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith: You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. William 'Will' Smith : Jensen said Avery, who died in 2013, was a driving force on set. He never even sent me a damn card! Will's father is a deadbeat who left him and his mom flat. [takes out a small statue of a father sitting with his son on his lap]. Carlton refuses to see his father after this moment of vulnerability and mortality. 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. 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. : 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!" R.I.P.James Avery "Uncle Phil" 1948-2014 --ONE OF MY FAV SCENES--THROW BACK! In the episode, Will's deadbeat father Lou (played by Broadway legend Ben Vereen) returns after a 14-year absence to spend time with his son. 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. Fresh Prince wasnt a show that had done serious moments. I learned how to drive, I learned how to shave, I learned how to fight without him. Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! The Post's Candace Buckner, David Betancourt and Tramel Raggs explore how current demonstrations against racial inequality are echoing memorable sports movies. In the episode "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse", Will Smith demonstrated his true acting abilities and showed the world when he is given the right role, he can do an amazing job. Philip Banks Sheridan Smith beamed as she left the Duke of York's Theatre in London on Thursday after her West End show, Shirley Valentine. Yeah, that's cool. So there you have it everyone! Look, I'll call you next week and we'll iron out the details. It's Carlton, Phil's son, whom we see suffer this trauma the most severely, even more so than Phil himself. 1 His First Major Movie Role Was In Six Degrees Of Separation. Uncle Phil, his characters influential father figure, is concerned and makes his disgust with Lou known. 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. You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith Its already in there, you know what it is. Find talent. In the episode, Wills father shows up unexpectedly after a 14-year absence. 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. 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. 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. Think back to any emotional scene on Full House. Excuse me. Hes a steady and positive figure in my life.. Will and his dad, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr., remained on good terms until he passed away in November 2016. What's up? Is Viola's reaction mere prejudice, plainly spoken? 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. : Look at me. Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. Every true Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fan knows the most emotional scene in the entire series. So why did you? This pages comprises the full verbal transcript of the first episode of Season 1 - The Fresh Prince Project . Will never, ever, forget.. It killed me when I first saw it, and still gets to me now. But it wasnt until the fourth season, with its characters deeply established, that the show decided to tackle the subject in depth. 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. I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. Geoffrey Butler: You have the right house. 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. And insists that Carlton leaves the gun behind immediately. The Banks, especially Uncle Phil, see through Lous lies, but Will cant; hes so happy to be with his dad that he drops his trademark swagger and acts like an eager child again. Come tomorrow, I'm out of here. That awful moment when you learn that this wasnt scripted. Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to be part of an upcoming music vid "Dad was tough but not tyrannical," Smith told Essence. Will reminds us), and Carlton's pristine visions of fairness and equality (not to mention his wealth and status) are shattered in the face of abject racism. I was actually at the taping. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #freshprienceofbelair, #freshprinceofbelairscene, #fresh_prince_of . Zuckerman described Lou as "a guy that just wasn't cut out to be a father.". 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. Philip: Yeah, then why did he say it? Official Sites It was written by David Zuckerman and Bill Boulware, and directed by Shelley Jensen. Whatever he needed, whether it was a pat on the head or a kick in the pants, I was there for him. I was actually at the taping. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. : The thing I connect to is: I do not have to build a perfect wall today. [takes out a small statue of a father sitting with his son on his lap]. I know my dad had been planning this for a long time. Thus, the hunt for a fraternity is on, and the two decide to attend a rush event for a Black frat on campus, run by Top Dog (Glenn Plummer). This was the first time the show just went there and stayed there and let it resonate, Zuckerman said of the episodes lasting impact. Gregory Lawrence (aka Greg Smith) is a writer, director, performer, songwriter, and comedian. It was great seeing you, son. So the only thing true about this rumor is the emotion conveyed by Will in the scene. 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! 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. William 'Will' Smith William 'Will' Smith: [shouts] To hell with him! What is the Spanish language plot outline for Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse (1994)? 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. 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. While working at the Los Angeles University student restaurant, Will recognizes a customer - his father - whom he has not seen for 14 years. :