I know my dad had been planning this for a long time. William 'Will' Smith 'Bad Boys For Life', which filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. He never even sent me a damn card! His acting from that moment on improved dramatically. I knew it was good, good television and it was really special.. Will did not like it at all. Smith said that he was originally supposed to sit at the bench and reflect on his uncle's words. The entire show was quiet, even during the funny parts, and I could not figure out why. 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!" So what's the real story behind the tear-jerking scene, you ask? Director Shelley Jensen describes this episode as a turning point in Smith's performance, noting his acting improved dramatically after it. : Will makes it to the hospital, and even has a laissez-faire gallows sense of humor about the whole ordeal. How you doin'? William 'Will' Smith The episode title is a reference to the James Brown song. When we started the series, Will was definitely not there, but he grew as a man and as an actor, he said. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1), Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2). Instead, it shows slides of the end credits. I'm Will's father Hilary Banks We went brick by brick for the entire summer and into winter and then back into spring. It was almost like time stood still.. 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. : | That he has no idea what life on the streets is like. He never even sent me a damn card! The three of them were like a range of Black manhood, Boulware said. Smith, playing a version of himself, lives with his extended family, and everyone lives, learns, laughs, loves, and grows with each other. : 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. flips the racial dynamics, bringing home a white husband (an atypically suave Diedrich Bader) to upset the extended Banks family. And, all of these qualities are challenged directly in "Blood Is Thicker Than Mud," a standout episode for Alfonso Ribeiro. 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. 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. Filming & Production Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! Both parties have lots to positively learn about each other. : : : 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. Will and his dad, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr., remained on good terms until he passed away in November 2016. By Season 4 of The Fresh Prince, Will and Carlton have graduated from high school and are now beginning their college studies. 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. I just have to lay a perfect brick. 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. As such, "Mistaken Identity" served (serves?) 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! (Via), Smith: My father was in the military, so everything was really regimented.. (Via). William 'Will' Smith That year we won the first Grammy given to a rap artist. Lou Smith Come tomorrow, I'm out of here. In the episode, Wills father shows up unexpectedly after a 14-year absence. 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. Oh yeah, I don't think so. 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. Wills delivery was so perfect it seems like it was in the moment.. 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. Why did it take so long? Philip Banks Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #freshprienceofbelair, #freshprinceofbelairscene, #fresh_prince_of . It was Avery, always the steady influence, that centered him, giving the rapper turned movie star memorable advice. Whatever. Geoffrey Butler approaches the door and lets Will in. You know what, Aunt Viv? It's a simple trick, perhaps best-known in the final moments ofCheers. Smith, whose most emotional scenes in the episode are opposite Avery, had to cry on camera for the first time. Lou Smith 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. 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 . : Will then begins to cry and asks Phillip why his father doesn't want him. Find talent. He's my father. Ashley asks her if she was nervous, and Hilary responds that she absolutely was, but she "was ready." ", The Real Story Behind the Most Heartbreaking Scene in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air'. There is no funny outtake of the cast messing up their lines. [takes out a small statue of a father sitting with his son on his lap]. Just cool down. Lauderdale, Florida. (HBO Max) Will recalled the episode where his character's father resurfaces after 14 years. Who needs him? 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. How come he dont want me, man? Will asks, lip quivering as he starts to break down and cry. For more onThe Fresh Prince, here's the latest intel on the upcoming reboot. Posted by ; words for deep love in other languages; The much-acclaimed show recently completed its 30th anniversary. 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. He also played Richard Williams, father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, in King Richard. Will Smith: Hey man, it's cool if you just call me Will, man. William 'Will' Smith With Wednesday's press night under her belt and a standing ovation to . (Via). HD1080p WILL'S DAD EMOTIONAL SAD SCENE ON THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIRNEW 2013 OF. And he told us that this was going to be our gig over the summer. Will assures Phillip he's grateful for everything Phillip has done for him, but he still needs to give his father a chance to be in his life, if he truly has changed. The idea was to have Wills father come back and leave again, disappointing his only son for a second time. Uncle Phil helps his nephew find a new California apartment on his own, and he'll continue his collegiate studies in the state, too. Before this scene, Will Smith disappeared. She thought college was the only way. Philip Banks: [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] I'm sorry, Will. 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. Wake up, Will. 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). : I was honored to be there at the launch.. It was not one of our best moments, said Zuckerman. 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. Official Sites 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! What millennial doesnt jump to finish the theme songs lyrics when prompted by Innnn West Philadelphia, born and raised? Smith has given all the credit to Avery for helping him get through that moment. Actually, this works out better for me, you know. It was written by David Zuckerman and Bill Boulware, and directed by Shelley Jensen. He's joyful, performative, and cares not what others think about him. Philip Banks That happened. We were standing there thinking, There will never, ever, be a wall here again. Lou Smith James Avery was relentlessly on me to elevate. I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. Will Smith: Oh, my fault, man. 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! He tore the old one down it was probably 16 feet high and 40 feet long. 2019 Ted Fund Donors Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? You are forced to invest your time, family, and even your wallet to make your dream come true. : He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a 1990s sitcom that stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself. 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) . The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. 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. : Lou Smith 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. Man, I'm glad you're here. See production, box office & company info, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves]. James Avery (Uncle Phil) is also visibly in tears. He just had that acting power that I wanted to have.. But his words, as Uncle Phil's so often do, ring passionate with promise, with ideals, and with familial love. Zuckerman described Lou as "a guy that just wasn't cut out to be a father.". "I did not make the rules, but I do know how to play the game. Papa's Got A Brand New Excuse is the 24th episode of Season 4. Carlton refuses to see his father after this moment of vulnerability and mortality. Did he actually accomplish anything during this time living with his upper-class relatives? 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. Get Discovered! ", you know. At least he said goodbye this time. 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. 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. The fatherhood episode was pivotal, Jensen added, because it marked Smiths arrival as a force to be reckoned with. Technical Specs, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves], [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly]. His character was contending with all the things hed never be and Vereen was deep in that moment. 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. Got through my first date without him, right? At least he said goodbye this time. 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. It's a stunning piece of performance that lays the groundwork for the series' deft juggling of silliness and sincerity perfectly. 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. This wasnt the physical comedy at which Smith the rapper excelled. Of course Im talking about Papas Got a Brand New Excuse.. Youwillcry at the acapella song the family sings over the credits. [pause] And I got pretty damn good at it too, didn't I, Uncle Phil? : Some business came up I gotta handle. No, he said. Philip and Vivian Banks enter the living room to meet Will. Smith rarely resorts to out-and-out anger in his Fresh Prince performances, but we see it here, and it is warranted. Will Smith is, like,sucha good actor. Right from the jump, from episode 1,The Fresh Princehad more on its mind than its aesthetics might initially hint. William 'Will' Smith: How come he don't want me, man? He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again," wrote Reddit user RajanKian, who was at the taping of the show. 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). And it turns out, the reconciliation between father and son was all too good to be true. As of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. But during filming of this episode, director Jensen likened the mood of the normally wild show to being in church.. Hes a steady and positive figure in my life.. Instead of reading him the riot act, Will is understandably enchanted. Like, James Avery wouldnt give me a damn inch, the actor recalled on TIDALs Rap Radar podcast series. "Before this scene, Will Smith disappeared. Even if the performance wasnt real, it was real enough to be remembered 20 years later. We're doing alright, huh? You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith: You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. If you listen closely, you can hear Karyn Parsons (Hilary) crying backstage. William 'Will' Smith William 'Will' Smith: [shouts] To hell with him! Behind the scenes, the episode was also meant to showcase Smiths dramatic acting chops. Will Smith is a two-time Oscar nominee and one of the most popular actors (and genies) of his generation. Will Smith: Oh, okay, well uh, cheerio and all that Walter now. : Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. : Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. And finally, just like any great play, she tells her sister Janice what's really going on. Published Feb 2, 2021. The true story behind one of the saddest scenes in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' History has finally been revealed. Philip Banks Maybe a little longer. 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. 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. Will Smith said he improvised his character's piano moment in the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" pilot. R.I.P.James Avery "Uncle Phil" 1948-2014 --ONE OF MY FAV SCENES--THROW BACK! It was that specific episode for me as a director [that] I saw him connect and make it work. Adding, "You might notice his hat coming off. It wasnt an easy scene for Smith to film, either. Phillip understands, and wishes Will the best. Not quite. Whatever he needed, whether it was a pat on the head or a kick in the pants, I was there for him. James Avery was relentless on me to elevate. : 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". 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. I had always been interested in shows with fathers, because I grew up with a single parent, he said. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. Becoming an actor, model, or performer is tough. 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.". He loves pizza and the Mortal Kombat movie. People were crying for a long time when it was over, doing their best not to make noise before the director said cut.". 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. The young actor would go on to deliver one of the biggest emotional punches in Fresh Prince history.