will smith fresh prince dad scene script

5 Jun. William 'Will' Smith Before he can do so, Will walks in, packed and ready to go. : In the episode, Will's deadbeat father Lou (played by Broadway legend Ben Vereen) returns after a 14-year absence to spend time with his son. He uses his emotions like an instrument, starting as strong as he can, until it can't help but fracture and fall. Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. I'm sorry that everybody can't be as perfect as you, Uncle Phil, but if I can forgive him, how come you can't? But there is one episode that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Will then launches into an emotional rant about how he learned to do things growing up without Lou and how he will continue to live his life and be successful without Lou, including being a better father than Lou was, and Lou especially can't teach him anything about how to be a father. So the only thing true about this rumor is the emotion conveyed by Will in the scene. Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. The two collapse into an embrace. Who needs him? Episode director Shelley Jensen worked on the series for all six seasons and watched Smith, who started the show at 21, go from novice to supernova. 2019 Ted Fund Donors Erase Nothing: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - The Dad Episode - Blogger Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. : The 'Fresh Prince Of Bel Air' Father Episode Aired 25 Years - UPROXX Both parties have lots to positively learn about each other. Will then begins to cry and asks Phillip why his father doesn't want him. Geoffrey Butler: You have the right house. 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 . There is no funny outtake of the cast messing up their lines. Its already in there, you know what it is. Discover fresh prince of bel air father scene 's popular videos | TikTok In the episode, Wills father shows up unexpectedly after a 14-year absence. Carlton Banks 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. Lou Smith Come tomorrow, I'm out of here. Although he was a "tough" man, Will told Essence Magazine that he was not "tryannical. You know the episode, and you definitely know THE scene. Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. will smith fresh prince dad scene script - nakedeyeballs.com His father, who had left him years before, claims he is finally ready to become a part of Will's life, again. This version of the character was received poorly by Will Smith at the initial table read, and so Lou was rewritten as a somewhat more sympathetic character, who at least had a legitimate job as a truck driver. 20 Little Facts About Will Smith From His Fresh Prince Days - TheTalko By the time Phil and Viv show up to bail them out, and for Phil to deliver a typically fiery speech about what justice should look like in this country (delivered to a particularly weaselly-looking Hank Azaria), the damage is done. But then, in an all-time line reading, Will simply asks his uncle, "How come he don't want me, man?" By Season 4 of The Fresh Prince, Will and Carlton have graduated from high school and are now beginning their college studies. Smith and his musical partner DJ Jazzy Jeff were already big names on the hip-hop scene when the Fresh Prince opportunity presented itself. Will's very pleased with this. Some business came up I gotta handle. : They said, Rap? My mother graduated from Carnegie Mellon. Not quite. That year we won the first Grammy given to a rap artist.". I'm sorry. : He resorts to buying a gun himself, ostensibly for protection. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. Published Feb 2, 2021. 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. Washington Post Retrospective on the episode. It was not one of our best moments, said Zuckerman. Philip Banks The first time I held you, I didn't think I'd ever put you down. : : (Via). Will Smith on the series premiere of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." NBC. 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. That awful moment when you learn that this wasnt scripted. Everything I said, everything I did for James Avery was like nope, not good enough. Avery demanded absolute committed perfection from his young co-star, so when it came time to shoot the scene together, Im messing up the lines because I want it so bad, Smith recalled. 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. We went brick by brick for the entire summer and into winter and then back into spring. 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. 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. Think back to any emotional scene on Full House. TIL that during Will Smith's monologue about his father on Fresh Prince That he heard Malcolm X, whom Will had deified earlier in the episode, speak in person. 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." Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to be part of an upcoming music vid "Dad was tough but not tyrannical," Smith told Essence. At 2:04 Will goes off script, so everything that happens after that is real. Ain't even nothing to talk about. William 'Will' Smith: You know what? 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. Oct 20, 2017. Will never, ever, forget.. are heading to New England themselves to be closer to their family. 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. 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. Yeah, that's cool. Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's just not true. William 'Will' Smith That year we won the first Grammy given to a rap artist. In that final scene, when Lou disappoints Will for the final time, Vereen himself broke down off-camera. We didnt realize it had affected that many people until years later., Did any of us know this show would become what it has become in the last 30 years? The true story behind one of the saddest scenes in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' History has finally been revealed. Relax. William 'Will' Smith 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. But Top Dog makes the opposite decision, deciding that WIll is more "authentically Black," calling Carlton a "sellout.". He said, Now, dont you all ever tell me theres something you cant do. And he walked into the shop. Olivia Singh. Damn, I didn't think a scene from "The Fresh Prince" would hit me that hard. He might be leaving this Bel-Air home for good, but this is still the first half of his new life, his new identity. Here's the Tumblr version of events that we've come to believe as the truth: Class and race issues are at the core of Will's journey from Philadelphia to Bel-Air, and after a series of fish-out-of-water shenanigans where Will's lower-class upbringing clashes with the Banks' upper-class upbringing during a dinner party, these tensions explode explicitly. The entire show was quiet, even during the funny parts, and I could not figure out why, a Reddit user wrote. Prior to 'Fresh Prince' both Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff were set on releasing albums. He eradicates the box of one proper Black identity not with force, but with precision. Those qualities are all self-weaponized, manifesting in self-destructive ways. 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. We agreed that I would take a year making music, and if it did not work out, I would go to college. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #freshprienceofbelair, #freshprinceofbelairscene, #fresh_prince_of . 1 His First Major Movie Role Was In Six Degrees Of Separation. 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. 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. 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 That he knew struggles and overcame them. Will says in one episode, while the camera tilts up to literally show the studio lights). Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. When we started the series, Will was definitely not there, but he grew as a man and as an actor, he said. Avery, a trained Shakespearean actor, represented the strong father figure; Smith, four years into his first acting gig, the young man coming into his own manhood; and Vereen, a theater vet, was a man lost. 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! And I got pretty damn good at it too, didn't I, Uncle Phil? 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. William 'Will' Smith: How come he don't want me, man? Technical Specs, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves], [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly]. Director Shelley Jensen describes this episode as a turning point in Smith's performance, noting his acting improved dramatically after it. 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.". 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. 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. 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. 11 Best New Shows on Netflix: March 2023's Top Upcoming Series to Watch However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir Will that the relationship was occasionally turbulent due to his father's abuse of his mother. : However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir. Geoffrey Butler: If you will follow me, I will show you to your room, Master William. I was honored to be there at the launch.. Will Smith is, like,sucha good actor. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. Will Smith (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) - Wikipedia No, he said. It's a scene even the most casual ofFresh Prince fans have committed to memory, effectively staged and played without a studio audience to give us any emotional relief. See production, box office & company info, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves]. William 'Will' Smith: Hey, why should I be mad? as a startling wake-up call, albeit one couched in comfort, comedy, and familiar class dynamics. The duo gets arrested and put in jail, alongside an operatic singing convict ("Any time you see a white guy in jail, you knowhe did something bad!" Yeah, you did. 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. Will then, becoming a touch of a father figure himself, must set his cousin straight. It's a shocking, plainspoken admission of society's privilege, one that gives the character tons of empathy and understanding. Wake up, Will. And to do so, he has to leave the building one final time. Will Smiths acting in it was flawless, the words and script were so real too. 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 . I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. And, all of these qualities are challenged directly in "Blood Is Thicker Than Mud," a standout episode for Alfonso Ribeiro. The trend of very special anti-drug family sitcom episodes was inspired explicitly byNancy Reagan, to the point where she literally appeared in an episode ofDiff'rent Strokesto deliver her anti-drug screed, and the relationship between the Reagan administration, drugs, and the Black community is a vile one to study (making the interpolation of "Just Say No" as "Just Say Yo" feel particularly gross). (Video: The Washington Post). Transcript The show begins with Will Smith at the door singing and knocking on the door. Fourteen. But Viola is ready to boycott the wedding, and forbid her son from going, too. 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. Much of "Not with My Cousin You Don't," as you might guess by the title, is predicated on icky gender-role shenanigans. The first time I held you, I didn't think I'd ever put you down. The hell with your father. 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) . You are not my father! There are around 148 episodes over six seasons, but one episode titled Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse made many fans emotional. Fresh Prince wasnt a show that had done serious moments. This is the same guy who didn't think enough of you to pick up the damn phone! I agree so much . It's a brilliantly played scene, rife with warmth and gentility even as they discuss tricky stuff. [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] Co-writer Bill Boulware based this episode on his own life experiences growing up with a single parent, noting he was always interested in shows about fathers due to his lack of one growing up. 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. He was born in 1973 in West Philadelphia. : : 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. 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. I just have to lay a perfect brick. 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?" Firstly, Will Smith's father was very much present during his childhood. They were all pretty the same: the dialogue would get cheesy (well, cheesier) and the music, sappy (sappier). He just had that acting power that I wanted to have.. The latter is a secondary part (Whoopi . Actually, this works out better for me, you know. It kinda stinks, is what I'm saying, even when these two male knuckleheads eventually learn their lesson. You see, the day you were born was the happiest day of my life. Youwillcry at the acapella song the family sings over the credits. Hes a steady and positive figure in my life. The episode featured the man-hug loved (and memed) around the world as Uncle Phil (James Avery) doesnt so much embrace as completely envelop his nephew, who is coming to grips with the loss of his absentee father for a second time. Emotional and great. : Philip Banks The True Story Behind The Saddest 'Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air' Scene - UPROXX While hes hugging me, he whispers in my ear, 'Thats f---ing acting right there, recalled Smith, who also revealed the motivation behind that performance. He's my father. As such, "Mistaken Identity" served (serves?) Just cool down. We were standing there thinking, There will never, ever, be a wall here again. Will Smith is a two-time Oscar nominee and one of the most popular actors (and genies) of his generation. "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse (TV - IMDb But hes a better parental figure than his actual dad, who lets his son down again. : And Uncle Phil, in the first of Avery's many perfect performances, sets him straight. During an average taping, The Fresh Prince set was like a raucous football stadium. 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. Lauderdale music video casting call in Fort. Uncle Phil, his characters influential father figure, is concerned and makes his disgust with Lou known. It was selfish and cowardly, but that's what I did. 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.