Beautiful chanteuse Vanessa Williams plays a single expectant mother in Aunt Viv's Lamaze class (which Will is roped into attending). "Cosby Show"'s Warner, plays Hilary's boyfriend, but has no love for Will and sues after our star hits his car without carrying auto insurance. Youre just happy to have a job. Thats definitely a joke; I definitely dont take myself that seriously, but it is what it is. "Cosby Show" cutie Raven-Symone may be a small child, but she makes a big splash as Claudia, the daughter of Will's mother's boyfriend. A young girl coming from Brooklyn who lived in South Central, Los Angeles born to a single momthat doesnt happen every day. As lavish as the Banks mansion is, let's face it, it will always be second fiddle to Bel Air's naughtiest domicile. - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator: Reply #1 posted 07/10/08 3:37pm. So when I got the part, I was thrilled because I love Will and we totally went on to make movie magic laterand not just with him, with his wife too. Hes down to earthhes just a class act. Between him and Alfonso, all I could do was laugh. While she doesn't necessarily have a preference between comedic and dramatic roles, the 59-year-old explained how she juggled the two extremes. Parents Just Dont Understand but Andy Borowitz Gets It, We Must Stop Will Smith From Rebooting The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, I had met Will before as a dancer. Fox: I think I had met him because I remember one time, I did a little bit of stand-in work for Jasmine Guy. It was representative of black televisions peak during the 1990s, but the fact that everyone watched and can quote entire scenes verbatim makes it exceptional. Whats most important when creating a budget? It was just the right vehicle to make him shine and make you see him in a different light, and I think he transitioned really well. As Janet, Jazz's sister, Vivica A. He was like, "Yeah, give me a little sista girl." One of her favorite roles was that of Roxy, the grim reaper meter maid on Showtime's hit series 'Dead Like Me' (with Mandy Patinkin.) Episode: S01 E04 "Not With My Pig, You Don't". Elise Neal (Wendy, Season 4, Episode 22): I was really excited to be part of the show. So I spent most of my time in my dressing room just trying to be on point. The show was a hit, so I didnt want to mess up. I was a fan of his, so when I got the part, I was like "Yes!" Ritualistic? No one has benefited more from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air than its star, Will Smith. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Elise Neal: I could see the talent from watching the show before I was even on it. I still have thatits the heart of who I am. Does Will make an effort to step up his game? But whats shocking and amazing is the fact that he went straight into it and was so good at it. Elise Neal: Pam Grier taught me so many life lessons in that week. Jasmine Guy: All week people gave me mama jokes, most of which could never be aired, but I had so much fun throwing new lines at Will. Sherman Hemsley brings all of the charisma and wit that made him a household name to this turn as a judge who defeats Uncle Phil in an election, only to pass away shortly after (which may or may not be related to the fact that Will has strong words with him). Chris Rock shows off his acting chops by playing both the familiar role of comedian and his sister, who Will is set up on a date with. Lela Rochon: You knew it was a big show when it came out. Kayla Samuels (Jasmine Guy) is tells Will (Will Smith) about their jokes right now, and Will (Will Smith) is hugging with Kayla Samuels (Jasmine Guy)! You'll love this episode, bet on it! We would do a prayer before every show, and there would be aI dont even know what you call it, its like what a basketball player does with his team before a gameand Will would jump right in the circle. l was left with no education and nothing l was qualified to do. Sure for a star-studded fantasy that reflects Will's excitement about his new celebrity-filled domicile. Jasmine Guy: The most fun I had is when the two of usme and Willhad to go toe to toe with "mama" jokes. The Saxophone genius Branford Marsalis wins over Hilary and shows Will a thing or too about how to use the sax for sex appeal. Role: Kayla Samuels. Nia Long: To me, he was already a star. Im still sassy, Im still spicy, Im still edgy. She studied at Northside Performing Arts High School. Carlton attempts to last 72 hours in Compton, but this wrestling giant doesn't exactly make things comfortable for him when he forbids him from using "school words. Aunt Viv and Uncle Phil start to worry when he takes a liking to Hilary. but it made sense when Karyn did it because she had such a specific take on it. Nia Long: I did the one season, and then he just blew up. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. It was representative of black televisions peak during the 1990s, but the fact that everyone watched and can quote entire scenes verbatim makes it exceptional. Nia Long: I think that when youre in the moment, youre not worried about that. To be able to say that the great, bomb-ass Pam Grier was my mother and that Will had sex with her, and that I was part of that whole episode is still a very nice memory that I have. T. lasted this long and is iconic, and universally known as "ours," shows that timing is everything. Hes a star." Twenty-five years after its premiere, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air remains a phenomenon. Getty Images, NBC Universal: Jan Sonnenmair. She was raised in Collier Heights . Birth Place:Boston, Massachusetts, United States, Profession I was just like "Okay, Im here.". Nia Long: A ritual? Its been 24 years, so I dont remember if Will and I had ever met before the show. The rest is told in his gripping visuals, The Exhibit: Finding the Next Great Artist, the "Carlton" (and it's many incarnations). Ya damn right, he does! Kayla Samuels: You did what? So I was a fan of the showyou always watch the jobs you dont get; thats why I watched the showand I really liked it. It was just the right vehicle to make him shine and make you see him in a different light, and I think he transitioned really well. Furthermore, that finesse helped the TV-version of Will Smith score the attention of some of the most talented and desirable young actresses of that era. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airs status made the show a platform for its guest-stars. People related to that guy who could rap, who was a little goofy, who was from the hood but moved to such a nice area and was living the dream. Fox: I think I had met him because I remember one time, I did a little bit of stand-in work for Jasmine Guy. Guy began her television career with a non-speaking role, as a dancer, in seven episodes of the 1982 television series Fame under the direction of choreographer Debbie Allen. It was the vehicle that took him from the Fresh Prince, to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, to Academy Award-nominatedmegastar. Will became a style icon overnight due to his classic high-top fade and flawless Jordan collection. For me, the pride is in the fact that A. I got the job and B. that I worked side-to-side with Will Smith. I think I had done one of his early videos. Will's drool turns into dribbling when a school-time day dream has him fantasizing about playing one on one with this Pistons great. Elise Neal: Do I have pride that I was one of the girlfriends? Her most recent role as Grams on the popular series 'Vampire Diaries' can be seen on the C.W. Nia Long: I was scared to death pretty much every day I was there, and I tried not to show it. For some, it was a chance to show their versatility as performers. Decades before singing her way to stardom in "Glee," Naya helps Hilary ponder the joys of having a child employee. Jasmine has also worked with these great performers and directors in these films and miniseries: Spike Lee's 'School Daze'; Eddie Murphy's 'Harlem Nights'; Alex Hailey's 'Queen', and Debbie Allen's 'Stompin' at the Savoy'. People were posting quotes from the episodethings I had even forgotbecause they remember everything about that show. Lela Rochon: You know what, I guess because now I have kids and Wills still very popular, now I just pop my collar and say, "Yeah, I was one of his girlfriends, whatever." The former Captain Kirk commands full attention playing himself appearing on Hilary's talk show. One of Vivian's students, Kayla Samuels comes over for dinner and Will tries to impress her but fails. Vivian Banks: I know what that feels like. Using familiar strokes to revive the role that made him a TV icon, Conrad appeared alongside Gary Coleman as their characters from "Diff'rent Strokes. The fusion of charm, savoir faire, and touching honesty youve seen in his best work was honed during the shows six-season run. So when I did get offered the role to play his girlfriend, I figured it would be fun. Episode: S04 E09 "Fresh Prince After Dark". If youre at a level of success and you want to take the next step, then you have to let your team know thats what you want to make it happen. He doesnt need to say this." It was such a fun set; everybody was great. Jasmine Guy: The most fun I had is when the two of usme and Willhad to go toe to toe with "mama" jokes. It doesnt even happy every other day, so when I look back on those times, I have more appreciation for certain things now than I did then because I think was so naive. Lela Rochon: I remember they said we were going to go into Wills dressing room and do a group prayer, but before we did the prayer, they did a dance. The psycho bitch showed up. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Funny . In honor of the show's 25th anniversary, we spoke to a few of themNia. Your problem is that you don't know you deserve it. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air provied many of these actresses with the exposure they needed to ascend the next plateau. Episode: "Love At First Fight" (Season 1, Episode 21 as "Kayla Samuels"). Then afterwards, talking to Tisha Campbell and a couple of other people within the show, I realized that he gave the speech to every girl that did the show. (Season 3, Episode 19 as "Cindy"), Episodes: The Script Formerly Known As and Not, I Barbecue (Season 2), Episode: "Kiss My Butler" (Season 1, Episode 10 as "Helen"), Episode: Recurring character for 16 episodes as "Lisa", Episode: "M Is For The Many Things She Gave Me" (Season 4, Episode 22 as "Janice"), Episodes: "Working It Out" (Season 1, Episode 25 as "Marissa Redman"); "She Ain't Heavy" (Season 2, Episode 8 as "Dee Dee"), Episode: "Cold Feet, Hot Body" (Season 5, Episode 23 as "Denise"), Episode: "Clubba Hubba" (Season 1, Episode 3 as "Mimi Mumford"), Episode: "When You Hit Upon A Star" (Season 4, Episode 17 as "Michelle Michaels"), Episode: "Did The Earth Move For You?" Vivica A Fox: Working with them was like working with family. No. I think I had read for Karyn Parsons role [Hilary] and then I read [for the role of Cindy] and ended up finally getting that part. . Eventually, Will wins her over and inadvertently starts taking time away from her studies, so Aunt Viv tells him to cut back on their relationship so Kayla can have a good future. There were so many things to love about The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. She began her professional career at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City. I remember one time at lunch, they took me golfing and it was a disaster. No one has benefited more from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airthan its star, Will Smith. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airprovided many of these actresses with the exposure they needed to ascend the next plateau. I knew he was really special because, even at that time, he had such a successful music career that you knew he was different. I think I had read for Karyn Parsons role [Hilary] and then I read [for the role of Cindy] and ended up finally getting that part. Jasmine Guy: Everyone on that show was talented and gifted, and we have to stick together. So when we sit down the first day, he says to me: "Were going to do this kissing scene. Vivian winds up lecturing Kayl See production, box office & company info. Fox surprises Will twice: once by how attractive she is, and then by how infatuated she is with him. She brings just the right touch of NYC sophistication and delicious woman in her role and the episode moves along with the expect smoothness and funny moments that we all love from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Lela Rochon: I didnt know him at all. Since you are already here then chances are that you are looking for the Daily Themed Crossword Solutions. The "Good Times" star plays the father of Will's girlfriend and a bit of a ladies man. l told him that l didn't think you two should spend so much time together. Were all connected, so its cool. Elise Neal: Im not surprised by it. That was sort of impressive to me. So I kind of knew him, and then I knew him out and about as Will Smith the rapper. It wasnt like a ritual, but I think [that happens] on a lot of sets. Nia Long: I met Will, we talked for a little bit and then I hung out and watched their process, and then I did one episode. Fox: It was totally hilarious. I act like it was no big deal, but the kids think its a huge deal. Vivica A. If he could do it, so could I. Im still trying to be like Will Smith [Laughs]. In an interview on "The Graham Norton Show" in 2017 (via ET ), Will Smith revealed that during the early days of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," he would learn the entire script for every episode . William 'Will' Smith: You dropped out of high school? Vivica A. She was born in Boston but raised in a lovely area of Atlanta, Georgia. I realized Id never be the female version of Tiger Woods, but I tried. Oscar nominee Cheadle plays against his sophisticated image as Will's friend from Philly. She won six consecutive N.A.A.C.P. Vivica A. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (TV Series 1990-1996) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. 2023 TV GUIDE, A FANDOM COMPANY. Just face it, Professor. A young girl coming from Brooklyn who lived in South Central, Los Angeles born to a single momthat doesnt happen every day. running down the street with that shirt open, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. [Seeing him] take it to the next level was kind of beautiful, and its always amazing to me who joins you on that journey when your life is about to make a huge change. For some, it was a chance to show their versatility as performers. It was a fun week. Sure stars alongside music mogul Quincy Jones and proves that famous friends look just as good on Will as that monochrome jumpsuit. It all worked together beautifully, and it was Benny Medinas brainchild. l'm the last chance for the whole damn family and you have no idea what that feels like. Gary slightly modifies his classic catch phrase to suit the Fresh Prince, asking "What you talkin' 'bout, Will?". Usually before you did it in front of an audience, there was always a group prayer. Hes down to earthhes just a class act. ", Episode: S06 E19 "I, Whoops, There It Is". These are the moments you cant find on YouTube. So when I did get offered the role to play his girlfriend, I figured it would be fun. Eventually, Will wins her over and inadvertently starts taking time away from her studies, so Aunt Viv tells him to cut back on their relationship so Kayla can have a good future. It wasnt like, "Oh, Im on this show with this guy. Vivica A. Fox: She was doing A Different World, but she also did a guest-appearance [on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air], so then when they called me in to audition, I said absolutely. Elise Neal: I was nervous, and I had what, to me at the time, was a lot of lines, so any free time I got away from the set, I was in my dressing room going over the lines. We played dozens, and for anyone that knows anything about black folk.you don't talk about [anyones] mama. It was such a great show; it wasnt just about Will, it was about a great family, success, life lessons, and all those cool things. Then afterwards, talking to Tisha Campbell and a couple of other people within the show, I realized that he gave the speech to every girl that did the show. Over the last . Vivica A. Love at First Sight is the 21st episode of Season 1 of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It was early in my career and one of the biggest roles I had gotten at that point. I remember I came in and the entire cast was on set having a table read, and a friend of mine who was a writer on the show told me to come down and say hello to everyone. So when we sit down the first day, he says to me: "Were going to do this kissing scene. Everybody was watching it and thats why being part of it, even if you werent a series regular, was a great thing because it always meant a lot on your resume. Thats his gift, and Will was lucky to have collaborated with him to do a show that resonated with everyone. Episodes: Season 4 - "Where There's a Will, There's a Way" (Part 1), "Where There's a Will, There's a Way"(Part 2), "All Guts, No Glory," "Father of the Year," "Blood is Thicker Than Mud," "Fresh Prince After Dark," "Take My Cousin Please," "You've Got to Be a Football Hero". Nia Long: I think that when youre in the moment, youre not worried about that. For me, the pride is in the fact that A. I got the job and B. that I worked side-to-side with Will Smith. Lela Rochon: It was a very warm, inviting set. It all worked together beautifully, and it was Benny Medinas brainchild. I looked at him like, "Oh, thats Will Smith. In 1992, Guy appeared in CBS's Stompin' at the Savoy alongside Vanessa Williams, again under the direction of Debbie Allen , and in 1993, she played the mother of Halle Berry's character . You're not my legal guardian. We played dozens, and for anyone that knows anything about black folk.you don't talk about [anyones] mama. Then I got a couple of other sitcoms and the rest is history. Tipping a hat to his role as one of Vegas's most enduring and endearing performers, Newton plays a casino manager in this episode where Carlton comes to Vegas for a birthday celebration and leaves with a gambling addiction. She began her professional career at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in new York City years! Looking for the whole damn family and you have no idea what that feels like find YouTube. 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