: While Will and Lou bond at a carnival, Lou tells him that the real reason that he abandoned him was because he was scared of having a kid. 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. The story behind the episode is almost as good as the episode itself. 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. But during filming of this episode, director Jensen likened the mood of the normally wild show to being in church.. 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? Wake up, Will. Behind the scenes, the episode was also meant to showcase Smiths dramatic acting chops. Stream It Or Skip It: 'Love at First Kiss' on Netflix, a Spanish Rom-Com About a Man Gifted with 'Romantic Clairvoyance' Stream It Or Skip It: 'Tonight You're Sleeping With Me' on Netflix, a . It killed me when I first saw it, and still gets to me now. 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 waltzes in here after 15 years? Smith and his musical partner DJ Jazzy Jeff were already big names on the hip-hop scene when the Fresh Prince opportunity presented itself. Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? Will William 'Will' Smith The episode title is a reference to the James Brown song. 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?" Will Smith: Hey man, it's cool if you just call me Will, man. But it wasnt until the fourth season, with its characters deeply established, that the show decided to tackle the subject in depth. : And she thinks she might be ready to enter a sexual relationship with a partner (Jaleel White, of course), despite their relationship being inherently long distance. Ted's Bio; Fact Sheet; Hoja Informativa Del Ted Fund; Ted Fund Board 2021-22; 2021 Ted Fund Donors; Ted Fund Donors Over the Years. As of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. 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. This pages comprises the full verbal transcript of the first episode of Season 1 - The Fresh Prince Project . 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. And I got pretty damn good at it too, didn't I, Uncle Phil? The entire show was quiet, even during the funny parts, and I could not figure out why, a Reddit user wrote. The Banks, especially Uncle Phil, see through Lou's. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a 1990s sitcom that stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself. He was the model for me of an actor. Will tells Uncle Phil (James Avery) that he, straight up, has forgotten where he came from. When they express how this is going to crush Will, Lou asks Phillip and Vivian to break the news to Will. Will is thrilled at this news, ready to rekindle his paternal relationship without much skepticism apparent. : Will believes that Uncle Phil is jealous and tells him that hes not his real dad. That year we won the first Grammy given to a rap artist.". Is Viola's reaction mere prejudice, plainly spoken? My father could kind of see doing something differently. . William 'Will' Smith : He's my father. Lou Smith 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. It's a stunning piece of performance that lays the groundwork for the series' deft juggling of silliness and sincerity perfectly. William 'Will' 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. I started feeling trapped. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. The latter is a secondary part (Whoopi . | [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airwas, and continues to be, a breath of fresh air. William 'Will' Smith James Avery was relentlessly on me to elevate. 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. Look, I'll call you next week and we'll iron out the details. You might notice his hat coming off. Will Smiths acting in it was flawless, the words and script were so real too. 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. Instead, he laser-focuses on cleaning the house, taking care of everything except himself, feeling genuinely, scarily haunted. 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. By Awa | 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. Philip Banks Yeah, yeah. [to Will] Did he actually accomplish anything during this time living with his upper-class relatives? He made a mistake. Young Ashley Banks (Tatyana Ali) is growing up. Now that the building is done, he gets to live in it. How you doin'? See production, box office & company info, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves]. Just cool down. William 'Will' Smith Papa's Got A Brand New Excuse is the 24th episode of Season 4. 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. He rages at his cousin about the futility of violence and revenge. 1.3k. 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. 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. The true story behind one of the saddest scenes in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' History has finally been revealed. 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. : Think back to any emotional scene on Full House. I ain't need him then and I don't need him now. 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. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #freshprienceofbelair, #freshprinceofbelairscene, #fresh_prince_of . It was not one of our best moments, said Zuckerman. It was great seeing you, son. Geoffrey Butler: If you will follow me, I will show you to your room, Master William. Will and his dad, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr., remained on good terms until he passed away in November 2016. 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. With Wednesday's press night under her belt and a standing ovation to . Firstly, Will Smith's father was very much present during his childhood. Why did it take so long? And I got pretty damn good at it too, didn't I, Uncle Phil? Smith has given all the credit to Avery for helping him get through that moment. 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. However Vivian has previously stated that hers, violas, Helens and Janices maiden name is Smith. 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) . 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). : Emotional and great. 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. Are you a content creator looking for an opportunity to show your stuff? [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly] His character was contending with all the things hed never be and Vereen was deep in that moment. 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. Before he can do so, Will walks in, packed and ready to go. : 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. James Avery was relentless on me to elevate. Get Discovered! Up until that point, they were thinking of [Smith] as a TV actor, Vereen said of the young mans burgeoning film career. They said, Rap? My mother graduated from Carnegie Mellon. Lauderdale music video casting call in Fort. William 'Will' Smith Will Smith: What are you, Robo-Butler, man? Technical Specs, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves], [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly]. 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." By Season 4 of The Fresh Prince, Will and Carlton have graduated from high school and are now beginning their college studies. I told my parents I wanted to rap. Will says in one episode, while the camera tilts up to literally show the studio lights). : However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir. Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. And I'm a different man now. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. That he heard Malcolm X, whom Will had deified earlier in the episode, speak in person. And Will sets himstraight. The thing I connect to is: I do not have to build a perfect wall today. 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. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. 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. Got through my first date without him, right? 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. He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again. Sheridan Smith beamed as she left the Duke of York's Theatre in London on Thursday after her West End show, Shirley Valentine. 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. Philip, for God's sake. : : 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. : 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. Philip Banks Geoffrey Butler approaches the door and lets Will in. 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. When my father got out of the Air Force, he started his own refrigeration business. : Yeah, whatever. Will forgives him and is prepared to give him another chance. ", you know. I believe it's because of the show's big, beating, sincere, courageous heart. Im messing up the lines because I wanted it so bad, Smith said in the podcast interview. 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. 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! Smith, whose most emotional scenes in the episode are opposite Avery, had to cry on camera for the first time. Hey, he wasn't there to teach me how to shoot my first basket, but I learned, didn't I? ", you know. Washington Post Retrospective on the episode. The three of them were like a range of Black manhood, Boulware said. Looking for Disney, Game of Thrones, or Marvel movie casting calls? Instead of reading him the riot act, Will is understandably enchanted. He just had that acting power that I wanted to have.. It's a special series to me, and to so many folks. Geoffrey Butler: Master William, walk this way. At 2:04 Will goes off script, so everything that happens after that is real. 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. : He's an associate editor for Collider and has written for Shudder, CBS, Paste Magazine, Guff, Smosh, Obsev Studios, and more. : Yeah, that's cool. The story behind Will Smiths iconic hug scene in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Roger Goodell, Muriel Bowser discussed future of RFK site in December call, Kyle Kuzma, Wizards start fast and dont look back in win over Raptors, Corey Dickerson aims to lead and have a bounce-back year with Nats. 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 . The altercation purportedly began when the then neophyte actor felt a scene wasn't working on his sitcom, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and unilaterally made some changes to the script . 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.