I just have to lay a perfect brick. Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. Did he actually accomplish anything during this time living with his upper-class relatives? 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). I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. Company Credits will smith fresh prince dad scene script As such, "Mistaken Identity" served (serves?) 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. 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. While Will is forgiving and understanding, Phillip and Vivian not so much. 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. 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). 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." Gregory Lawrence (aka Greg Smith) is a writer, director, performer, songwriter, and comedian. : Emotional and great. I've been waiting for this for a long time, my whole life and ain't nobody gonna stop me. : Instead, it shows slides of the end credits. Carlton's response comes not as a surprise, but as a well-practiced speech, something he's been having to reckon with his entire life. Will Smith Cries During 'Fresh Prince' Reunion Over James Avery During filming, the studio was completely silent a rarity for a comedy with a live audience. Here's What James Avery Secretly Whispered To Will Smith During 'Fresh 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." An emotional Will lets his frustration out in a conversation with Uncle Phil, but things got really sad when he finally breaks down in tears. "Being Black isn't what I'm trying to be, it's what I am," says Carlton, plainly, making sure Top Dog knows he's the real sellout before leaving. Will. Really shows how good of an actor Will Smith is. Will believes that Uncle Phil is jealous and tells him that hes not his real dad. Smith was known for his clean lyrics, and his hits were . Dont act around me, act with me. The advice worked. 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 eradicates the box of one proper Black identity not with force, but with precision. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #freshprienceofbelair, #freshprinceofbelairscene, #fresh_prince_of . For more onThe Fresh Prince, here's the latest intel on the upcoming reboot. Uncle Phil grabs Will and hugs him fiercely, as he wished his father would. Will's father Lou shows up after 14 years and spends a lot of time with Will. 1 His First Major Movie Role Was In Six Degrees Of Separation. : James Avery was relentless on me to elevate. [takes out a small statue of a father sitting with his son on his lap]. 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. Transcript The show begins with Will Smith at the door singing and knocking on the door. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. The 'Fresh Prince Of Bel Air' Father Episode Aired 25 Years - UPROXX [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly] Olivia Singh. What is the Spanish language plot outline for Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse (1994)? Will Smith: I once cursed out an NBC exec on 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' : Oh, come on. : Will is at the Peacock when he sees a man staring at him. We're doing alright, huh? Smith has given all the credit to Avery for helping him get through that moment. And then, Viola enters. MY FAV WILL SMITH EMOTIONAL DAD'S SCENE [HD]*R.I.P.JAMES - YouTube Just cool down. ", 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. So the only thing true about this rumor is the emotion conveyed by Will in the scene. That happened. It was Avery, always the steady influence, that centered him, giving the rapper turned movie star memorable advice. Following Avery's words, Smith pulled off the most iconic and emotional scene in the show's history. Lou claims it was great to see Will again, and Will responds "You too Lou" instead of Dad, officially disowning Lou as his father. Instead of reading him the riot act, Will is understandably enchanted. Philip and Vivian Banks enter the living room to meet Will. Fourteen years and acts like nothing has happened. 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.". Find talent. 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. But his words, as Uncle Phil's so often do, ring passionate with promise, with ideals, and with familial love. Erase Nothing: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - The Dad Episode - Blogger During the episode, Will reunites with his father, Lou, who was absent from his life for 14 years. When Will calls him Lou, oh my God, his whole frame just shrunk because he realized at that point that hed lost his son. 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. Speaking of "Will's father is out of the picture". But that specific episode? Geoffrey Butler: Master William, tradition dictates that a clean, unbreakable line be drawn between a family and their butler. Just lay one brick, dude. (Via). If you listen closely, you can hear Karyn Parsons (Hilary) crying backstage. It's a stunning piece of performance that lays the groundwork for the series' deft juggling of silliness and sincerity perfectly. He loves pizza and the Mortal Kombat movie. The two collapse into an embrace. There are around 148 episodes over six seasons, but one episode titled Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse made many fans emotional. Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? You too Lou. Baker is the husband-to-be of Janice (Charlayne Woodard), who's set to be married in the Banks' spacious Bel-Air backyard if Will's mother Viola (Verne Watson-Johnson) doesn't blow a gasket first. You are not my father! He tore the old one down it was probably 16 feet high and 40 feet long. He was the model for me of an actor. Release Dates Philip Banks But then, in an all-time line reading, Will simply asks his uncle, "How come he don't want me, man?" But Top Dog makes the opposite decision, deciding that WIll is more "authentically Black," calling Carlton a "sellout.". 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). The show retains an important place in pop culture. : You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. William 'Will' Smith: No, you know what, Uncle Phil? When they express how this is going to crush Will, Lou asks Phillip and Vivian to break the news to Will. They plan a cross-country trip together, but Uncle Phil (James Avery) warns Will that he shouldnt get his hopes up; this is the man who abandoned him, after all. It kinda stinks, is what I'm saying, even when these two male knuckleheads eventually learn their lesson. The story behind Will Smith's iconic 'hug' scene in 'The Fresh Prince (HBO Max) Will recalled the episode where his character's father resurfaces after 14 years. : You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. 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! All of these qualities make him one of our great television characters; all of these qualities make him rife for roasts from his cousin Will; all of these qualities add to the interesting playing with and subverting of what kinds of racial depictions we saw on television in the early '90s. 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. Borrowing its title fromGuess Who's Coming to Dinner, the 1967 film in whichKatharine Houghtonbrings home fianc Sidney Poitierto her white parents to examine interracial relationships in a lightly comedic purview, "Guess Who's Coming to Marry?" Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. When my father got out of the Air Force, he started his own refrigeration business. It's a special series to me, and to so many folks. William 'Will' Smith "We agreed that I would take a year making music, and if it did not work out, I would go to college. Ain't like I'ma be sitting up every night asking my mom, "When's Daddy coming home? It wasnt an easy scene for Smith to film, either. Will never, ever, forget.. 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. 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. For four years, I treated that boy like my own son. Look at me. The duo was forced to pivot when 'Fresh Prince' came along. : 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. 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. 20 Little Facts About Will Smith From His Fresh Prince Days - TheTalko I just wasn't ready to be a father. Let's come up with something better that you can call me. This is the same guy who didn't think enough of you to pick up the damn phone! But the audience sobbing that you can make out in the background? This episode, and especially this scene, tends to prove Mr. Mamet wrong. 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 - Wikipedia He was born in 1973 in West Philadelphia. Lou Smith 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. William 'Will' Smith Ashley speaks with her sister, the oft-materialistic and flighty Hilary (Karyn Parsons), to ask her, directly, when she knew she was ready for sex. Who cares what you think? 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. Smith, whose most emotional scenes in the episode are opposite Avery, had to cry on camera for the first time. And when Carlton does buck up and speak to his father, vulnerability and everything, it's simply stunning television. | Look no further than Atlantic Records' $125/Day Fort. Much of "Not with My Cousin You Don't," as you might guess by the title, is predicated on icky gender-role shenanigans. "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,. The first one went extremely well while the second album, not so much. Get Discovered! The first time I held you, I didn't think I'd ever put you down. 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. 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. 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. No, you know what, Uncle Phil? ", The Real Story Behind the Most Heartbreaking Scene in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air'. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. In honor ofThe Fresh Prince's 30th anniversary, here are the 10 best times the sitcom got serious throughout its run, in chronological order. The fatherhood episode was pivotal, Jensen added, because it marked Smiths arrival as a force to be reckoned with. He never even sent me a damn card! Will Smiths acting in it was flawless, the words and script were so real too. He waltzes in here after 15 years? And it turns out, the reconciliation between father and son was all too good to be true. The actor was so convincing in his delivery that the entire audience started crying. Insists that if Carlton goes through with this plan, he's just as bad as the guy who put Will in the hospital. 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. 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. Both parties have lots to positively learn about each other. (Via), Smith: My father was in the military, so everything was really regimented.. Yeah, that's cool. Oct 20, 2017. 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. I had always been interested in shows with fathers, because I grew up with a single parent, he said. William 'Will' Smith : So why did you? Just for a couple of weeks. 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. Now that the building is done, he gets to live in it. 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. James Avery (Uncle Phil) is also visibly in tears. Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse - The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air 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. 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. I wanted him to want me. The hell with your father. Will, it's all right to be angry. So is he a cop? [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again. I know my dad had been planning this for a long time. : I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. It's Carlton, Phil's son, whom we see suffer this trauma the most severely, even more so than Phil himself. Are you a content creator looking for an opportunity to show your stuff? He just had that acting power that I wanted to have.. William 'Will' Smith But in fact, Wills dad was an active participant in his sons life, and even encouraged him. (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. I was honored to be there at the launch.. Posted by ; words for deep love in other languages; Carlton Banks [takes out a small statue of a father sitting with his son on his lap]. 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. How you doin'? 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. They were all pretty the same: the dialogue would get cheesy (well, cheesier) and the music, sappy (sappier). It originally aired on May 9, 1994. I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. Behind the scenes, the episode was also meant to showcase Smiths dramatic acting chops. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Lou Smith The Fresh Princeis unbelievably silly, no doubt, with its oft-arch performances and willingness to surreally break the fourth wall ("How come we can't afford ceilings?"