He uses his emotions like an instrument, starting as strong as he can, until it can't help but fracture and fall. He just had that acting power that I wanted to have.. I might have been 12 and my brother 9 when one day he decided he wanted a new front wall at his shop. : ignorant of such targeted frissons. My father could kind of see doing something differently. It's a shocking, plainspoken admission of society's privilege, one that gives the character tons of empathy and understanding. : But much of white America remained (remains?) 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. 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. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was, and continues to be, a breath of fresh air.Originally airing from 1990 to 1996 for six seasons, the sitcom broke Will Smith through to superstardom in a series of . : Will forgives him and is prepared to give him another chance. I rarely cried for a sitcom, but this is it. : Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! You might notice his hat coming off. 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. 5 Jun. [long pause as Will struggles to regain his composure]. Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name the Fresh Prince, is an American actor, rapper, and producer.Noted for his work in music, television, and film, Smith has received various accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, four Grammy Awards, and Will is originally from West-Philadelphia but was forced to move soon after participating in a fight with a couple of thugs. Smith gave his first highlight-reel performance, and it wouldnt have been possible with Uncle Phil, who whispered something in Smiths ear while they were hugging on camera: To read more about the episode, click here. William 'Will' Smith At 2:04 Will goes off script, so everything that happens after that is real. He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again. William 'Will' Smith The most effective and illuminating emotional reaction to this doesn't orient around Will, however at least not directly. You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith: You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. To hell with him! 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. I just wasn't ready to be a father. William 'Will' Smith Not quite. William 'Will' Smith: Got through my first date without him, right? William 'Will' Smith: Hey, why should I be mad? So is he a cop? February 24, 2022 armstrong siddeley cars for sale armstrong siddeley cars for sale William 'Will' Smith : Before this scene, Will Smith disappeared. Will's very pleased with this. : It kinda stinks, is what I'm saying, even when these two male knuckleheads eventually learn their lesson. We're doing alright, huh? We were all in the moment. I believe it's because of the show's big, beating, sincere, courageous heart. I understand. Think back to any emotional scene on Full House. Damn, I didn't think a scene from "The Fresh Prince" would hit me that hard. 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). When the time has come for Top Dog to choose his new candidate, Carlton assumes he'll get picked, and Will's foolishness will not be tolerated. It was great seeing you, son. You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith 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. He waltzes in here after 15 years? And insists that Carlton leaves the gun behind immediately. Uh, must have the wrong crib. All of the Banks are planning on leaving their palatial Bel-Air estate, which we've gotten to know and love over six seasons. While the legend that Smith ad-libbed much of the scene based on his troubled relationship with his actual father is probably false, the sobbing was not. [shouts] : Will Smith: Yo yo, G, G, G, let me rap to you for a second man. Oct 20, 2017. So what's the real story behind the tear-jerking scene, you ask? Where does that leave Will? Having three Black male actors in an intensely dramatic scene on a comedic series only added to the power of the moment. : During filming, the studio was completely silent a rarity for a comedy with a live audience. 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. 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. At least he said goodbye this time. Uncle Phil, however, is worried that Will's father will simply disappoint Will again and disappoint Will he does. With Wednesday's press night under her belt and a standing ovation to . But his words, as Uncle Phil's so often do, ring passionate with promise, with ideals, and with familial love. The show wasn't afraid to tackle issues like drugs, sex, drunk driving, sexism, racism, and violence to teach us an important lesson or two about life. But this constant poking at Uncle Phil's weight comes to a serious head in "Home Is Where the Heart Attack Is," an episode that, as you might guess, gives Uncle Phil a weight-induced heart attack to suffer through. Reply . Behind the scenes, the episode was also meant to showcase Smiths dramatic acting chops. The three of them were like a range of Black manhood, Boulware said. : 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. 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. 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". Originally airing from 1990 to 1996 for six seasons, the sitcom brokeWill Smiththrough to superstardom in a series of episodes articulating his transition from life on the mean streets of West Philadelphia to life in the palatial mansions of Bel-Air (hmm, if only there was a catchy summary of this inciting incident). Look at me. Because you're my son and I love you. Dont act around me, act with me. The advice worked. Philip Banks: [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] I'm sorry, Will. William 'Will' Smith: You know what? 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. We were standing there thinking, There will never, ever, be a wall here again. Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! You are forced to invest your time, family, and even your wallet to make your dream come true. Wills father introduces himself as Lou Smith, which would mean that Violas (Wills mother) married name is smith. flips the racial dynamics, bringing home a white husband (an atypically suave Diedrich Bader) to upset the extended Banks family. The two collapse into an embrace. 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. For more onThe Fresh Prince, here's the latest intel on the upcoming reboot. It's a special series to me, and to so many folks. Get Discovered! He never even sent me a damn card! ', 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. See production, box office & company info, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves]. The episode title is a reference to the James Brown song. : Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. 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. 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. Whew, that was deep, Vereen said. [pause] ", 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. How you doin'? In that final scene, when Lou disappoints Will for the final time, Vereen himself broke down off-camera. Every true Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fan knows the most emotional scene in the entire series. That happened. Lou Smith (HBO Max) Will recalled the episode where his character's father resurfaces after 14 years. Speaking of "Will's father is out of the picture". 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. William 'Will' Smith He might be leaving this Bel-Air home for good, but this is still the first half of his new life, his new identity. Fearing for his safety his mother sent him out to Bel Air. Who cares what you think? However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. Smith has given all the credit to Avery for helping him get through that moment. William 'Will' Smith I ain't need him then and I don't need him now. 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. His character was contending with all the things hed never be and Vereen was deep in that moment. 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. He eradicates the box of one proper Black identity not with force, but with precision. But it means, more than ever, we can't lose faith in people. [He] wouldnt give me a damn inch, said Smith in a 2018 interview with podcast Rap Radar. Geoffrey Butler: If you will follow me, I will show you to your room, Master William. Will Smith: Hey man, it's cool if you just call me Will, man. Uncle Phil helps his nephew find a new California apartment on his own, and he'll continue his collegiate studies in the state, too. 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. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. How come he dont want me, man? Will asks, lip quivering as he starts to break down and cry. He rages at his cousin about the futility of violence and revenge. Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! How Many Of These 90s One Hit Wonders Can You Name. : It was written by David Zuckerman and Bill Boulware, and directed by Shelley Jensen. Ain't like I'ma be sitting up every night asking my mom, "When's Daddy coming home? Hey, why should I be mad? So there you have it everyone! What is the Spanish language plot outline for Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse (1994)? Will said that. Will believes that Uncle Phil is jealous and tells him that hes not his real dad. 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. One day there was a wall there again. 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. 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Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. He was the model for me of 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. Ashleys first date with R&B princeling Tevin Campbell? : Published Feb 2, 2021. I've been waiting for this for a long time, my whole life and ain't nobody gonna stop me. The man turns out to be Will's father, Lou Smith, whom Will hasn't seen in 14 years, since he abandoned the family. The latter is a secondary part (Whoopi . The duo was forced to pivot when 'Fresh Prince' came along. Will Smith: Check this - "His royal freshness" - that's dope! Will says in one episode, while the camera tilts up to literally show the studio lights). Will Smith is, like,sucha good actor. It killed me when I first saw it, and still gets to me now. 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.". I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. It was also so unexpected. William 'Will' Smith: I ain't need him then and I don't need him now. The reviews were solid for the then-25-year-olds first dramatic movie role, so Smith was ready to do something that had a little bite to it, Zuckerman said. Now, let's get to the bottom of this rumor. 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. Technical Specs, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves], [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly]. 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. Even if the performance wasnt real, it was real enough to be remembered 20 years later. Look at me, use me. While working at the Los Angeles University student restaurant, Will recognizes a customer - his father - whom he has not seen for 14 years. James Avery was relentless on me to elevate. Will. 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. Will Smith said he improvised his character's piano moment in the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" pilot. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. I had always been interested in shows with fathers, because I grew up with a single parent, he said. He said, Now, dont you all ever tell me theres something you cant do. And he walked into the shop. Will makes it to the hospital, and even has a laissez-faire gallows sense of humor about the whole ordeal. ", "He kept me in line. By Awa | The slimmies of summer come to class wearing next to nothing, you know what I'm saying Philip Banks Smith and his musical partner DJ Jazzy Jeff were already big names on the hip-hop scene when the Fresh Prince opportunity presented itself. He's an associate editor for Collider and has written for Shudder, CBS, Paste Magazine, Guff, Smosh, Obsev Studios, and more. R.I.P.James Avery "Uncle Phil" 1948-2014 --ONE OF MY FAV SCENES--THROW BACK! 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. While Will is forgiving and understanding, Phillip and Vivian not so much. You saw the light bulb go off, he said. WatchMojo: Top 10 "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Moments, NBC Studios - 3000 W. Alameda Avenue, Burbank, California, USA. 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. 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. 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. 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. Like, James Avery wouldnt give me a damn inch, the actor recalled on TIDALs Rap Radar podcast series. If you listen closely, you can hear Karyn Parsons (Hilary) crying backstage. Official Sites 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. As such, "Mistaken Identity" served (serves?) 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 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. Smith would even come out himself and hype up the audience. 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. Or so the widely-spread legend goes. It's a brilliantly played scene, rife with warmth and gentility even as they discuss tricky stuff. Company Credits : Will, as he is wont to do, acts a fool; and Carlton, as he is wont to do, hops over every task with a double front-flip, cleaning up the joint while he's at it. This relationship needs to be attended to, now. "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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