Smith: Oh, yeah, he was very serious about things being a certain way. 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. 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[long pause as Will struggles to regain his composure]. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. I've been waiting for this for a long time, my whole life and ain't nobody gonna stop me. I'm Will's father Hilary Banks The story behind Will Smith's iconic 'hug' scene in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' By Helena Andrews-Dyer September 11, 2020 at 7:00 a.m. EDT Will Smith, seen here in 1990, started "The. As such, "Mistaken Identity" served (serves?) It killed me when I first saw it, and still gets to me now. Who needs him? Those qualities are all self-weaponized, manifesting in self-destructive ways. That he heard Malcolm X, whom Will had deified earlier in the episode, speak in person. 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. Will makes it to the hospital, and even has a laissez-faire gallows sense of humor about the whole ordeal. Lou is, indeed, going to walk out of Will's life again, having scammed the Banks family for what he needs. I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. : Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? I believe it's because of the show's big, beating, sincere, courageous heart. : They said, Rap? My mother graduated from Carnegie Mellon. Filming & Production Yeah, that's cool. R.I.P.James Avery "Uncle Phil" 1948-2014 --ONE OF MY FAV SCENES--THROW BACK! : 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. When Will calls him Lou, oh my God, his whole frame just shrunk because he realized at that point that hed lost his son. 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! 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. Home; About. 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. He uses his emotions like an instrument, starting as strong as he can, until it can't help but fracture and fall. Daddy-O! I was actually at the taping. Think back to any emotional scene on Full House. Those qualities I assigned Carlton regarding the previous episode? Oh, come on. But Carlton is actually, literally Phil's son. Look, why are you telling me this now? And it turns out, the reconciliation between father and son was all too good to be true. You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith William 'Will' Smith Lou Smith : I just wasn't ready to be a father. Kim Kardashian Tackled to the Ground at Paris Fashion Event, Marvel's 'Ant-Man' Casting Call for Kids in Peachtree City, Georgia, NBA YoungBoy and Birdman Hire Director for 'Ballin Blocker 2', 'The Weeknd' To Star in a Movie He Co-Wrote and Produced, Michael B. Jordan Reunites with High School Reporter at 'Creed III' Premiere: 'I Was the Corny Kid, Right? Smith, playing a version of himself, lives with his extended family, and everyone lives, learns, laughs, loves, and grows with each other. How you doin'? Ain't even nothing to talk about. Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's just not true. My father could kind of see doing something differently. Will never, ever, forget. Or Hillarys Playboy spread? as a startling wake-up call, albeit one couched in comfort, comedy, and familiar class dynamics. Uncle Phil helps his nephew find a new California apartment on his own, and he'll continue his collegiate studies in the state, too. Both parties have lots to positively learn about each other. James Avery (Uncle Phil) is also visibly in tears. Lauderdale music video casting call in Fort. 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. James Avery was relentless on me to elevate. 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?" She thought college was the only way. 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. are heading to New England themselves to be closer to their family. : (HBO Max) Will recalled the episode where his character's father resurfaces after 14 years. The most extreme (and false) version of this the rumor goes as far to claim that Smith actually ad-libbed the scene and that the episode was meant to end with Will brushing off his father's abandonment. It was selfish and cowardly, but that's what I did. So we're gonna have to put our trip on hold. 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. Lou Smith This was the first time the show just went there and stayed there and let it resonate, Zuckerman said of the episodes lasting impact. It's Carlton, Phil's son, whom we see suffer this trauma the most severely, even more so than Phil himself. (One year later, Rodney King's beating by police will spark a series of protests and clashes in Los Angeles.) Use me. During an average taping, The Fresh Prince set was like a raucous football stadium. Here's the Tumblr version of events that we've come to believe as the truth: 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! Here's the Tumblr version of events that we've come to believe as the truth: "That awful moment when you learn that this wasnt scripted. This remains, by my estimation, the single greatest example of a television sitcom getting real and I wouldn't be surprised if it continues to be for the rest of the medium's history (gritty reboots be damned). I had always been interested in shows with fathers, because I grew up with a single parent, he said. 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. Now that the building is done, he gets to live in it. : Much of "Not with My Cousin You Don't," as you might guess by the title, is predicated on icky gender-role shenanigans. William 'Will' Smith: No, you know what, Uncle Phil? Will Smith recalls iconic "how come he don't want me" scene + Being pushed by James Avery Streaming Black 3.83K subscribers Subscribe 3.3M views 4 years ago Black Press Media Group, July 2018. 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. His character was contending with all the things hed never be and Vereen was deep in that moment. But Viola is ready to boycott the wedding, and forbid her son from going, too. I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. Geoffrey Butler: If you will follow me, I will show you to your room, Master William. There are around 148 episodes over six seasons, but one episode titled Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse made many fans emotional. Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor and rapper.Known for variety of roles, Smith has received multiple accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award and four Grammy Awards. William 'Will' Smith Lou and Phillip get into a heated argument about Lou's responsibilities as a father with Lou again claiming he was scared to be a father, which Phillip rejects, claiming he too was scared to be a father, but unlike Lou, he didn't run out on his family, but rather remained present for his children's lives, as a good and responsible man is supposed to do. It kinda stinks, is what I'm saying, even when these two male knuckleheads eventually learn their lesson. William 'Will' Smith 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. However Vivian has previously stated that hers, violas, Helens and Janices maiden name is Smith. 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. To hell with him! Whatever he needed, whether it was a pat on the head or a kick in the pants, I was there for him. It was great seeing you, son. William 'Will' Smith I'm sorry. Look at me. Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. Damn, I didn't think a scene from "The Fresh Prince" would hit me that hard. 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. 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. I was honored to be there at the launch.. For more, www.smithlgreg.com, The Best Serious Moments in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', 'The Last of Us' Made Flashbacks Work, But Episode 7's Doesn't, The 10 Best 'South Park' Episodes of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb, 10 Best Villains from 'Batman: The Animated Series', Ranked. Classic Black sitcoms like Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Living Single are finally streaming. 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 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. Tells him he grew up on the streets of Baltimore. Carlton Banks While Will is forgiving and understanding, Phillip and Vivian not so much. See production, box office & company info, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves]. I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. We're doing alright, huh? Smith rarely resorts to out-and-out anger in his Fresh Prince performances, but we see it here, and it is warranted. Really shows how good of an actor Will Smith is. William 'Will' Smith: You know what? Will then, becoming a touch of a father figure himself, must set his cousin straight. You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith: You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. He eradicates the box of one proper Black identity not with force, but with precision. William 'Will' Smith : So why did you? : This relationship needs to be attended to, now. The man turns out to be Will's father, Lou Smith, whom Will hasn't seen in 14 years, since he abandoned the family. Find talent. But it means, more than ever, we can't lose faith in people. He just had that acting power that I wanted to have.. Some business came up I gotta handle. For four years, I treated that boy like my own son. Looking for Disney, Game of Thrones, or Marvel movie casting calls? I learned how to drive, I learned how to shave, I learned how to fight without him. For more onThe Fresh Prince, here's the latest intel on the upcoming reboot. The actor was so convincing in his delivery that the entire audience started crying. [He] wouldnt give me a damn inch, said Smith in a 2018 interview with podcast Rap Radar. Philip Banks: I'm sorry. Will Smith helped co-write the script for this scene. Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. Therefore, it is necessary for the operation of the household that you address me as Geoffrey, and I in turn address you by your proper title, Master William. The Banks, especially Uncle Phil, see through Lou's. 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. 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". Its already in there, you know what it is. 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. So what's the real story behind the tear-jerking scene, you ask? 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. 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. He's an associate editor for Collider and has written for Shudder, CBS, Paste Magazine, Guff, Smosh, Obsev Studios, and more. Whatever. Papas Got a Brand New Excuse was a watershed 23 minutes for the situational comedy, which, until that moment, hadnt fully explored the emotional depths of Smiths character. So is he a cop? While working at the Los Angeles University student restaurant, Will recognizes a customer - his father - whom he has not seen for 14 years. 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. : [takes out a small statue of a father sitting with his son on his lap]. 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Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. I know my dad had been planning this for a long time. After landing a role on Fresh Prince, Will also snagged a leading role in the 1993 film adaptation of Six Degrees of Separation. Just lay one brick, dude. (Via). It was almost like time stood still.. Because you're my son and I love you. The show begins with Will Smith at the door singing and knocking on the door. Wills delivery was so perfect it seems like it was in the moment.. 2019 Ted Fund Donors Will Smith: Oh, my fault, man. He tore the old one down it was probably 16 feet high and 40 feet long. : You saw the light bulb go off, he said. Uncle Phil grabs Will and hugs him fiercely, as he wished his father would. Whew, that was deep, Vereen said. Sheridan Smith beamed as she left the Duke of York's Theatre in London on Thursday after her West End show, Shirley Valentine. What millennial doesnt jump to finish the theme songs lyrics when prompted by Innnn West Philadelphia, born and raised? 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. ignorant of such targeted frissons. With Wednesday's press night under her belt and a standing ovation to . Hey, just cool it. Having three Black male actors in an intensely dramatic scene on a comedic series only added to the power of the moment. Lou Smith For survival, please dont marry this man.".